Verstappen leads Red Bull 1-2 in Spain, Leclerc abandons

MONTMELÓ, Spain (AP) — Max Verstappen reclaimed the Formula One points lead as the reigning world champion won the Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday for his third consecutive victory after Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari broke down while he was comfortably in front.

Verstappen needed an assist from Red Bull teammate Sergio Pérez to get his fourth victory of the season, however. Pérez was leading the race after Leclerc had abandoned when his team told him to let Verstappen pass on Lap 49 of 66.

“It’s unfair but OK,” Pérez told his team.

Pérez, who could have taken just his third career win, finished second ahead of Mercedes’ George Russell in third.

Verstappen enjoyed previous victories in Imola and Miami.

Leclerc defended his pole position at the start, and Verstappen spun off the track early. But disaster struck when Leclerc's car lost power on Lap 27, as he screamed “No! No! No! What happened?”

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