Verstappen takes giant step towards F1 crown after Leclerc crashes out in France

Red Bull's Max Verstappen won the French Grand Prix on Sunday and took a huge stride towards a second Formula One title after Ferrari rival Charles Leclerc crashed out of the race while leading from pole position.

Leclerc was in charge of the race before he sensationally lost control of his Ferrari through the right-hand Turn 11 and slammed into the tyre wall.

Verstappen took advantage of Leclerc’s demise to race unchallenged to the chequered flag, and extend his lead over the Ferrari driver from 38 points to 63. In his 300th Formula One appearance, Lewis Hamilton finished second to claim his best result of the season and his fourth podium in succession, while Mercedes teammate George Russell was third.

"I think we had really good pace from the start. I was putting pressure on Charles [Leclerc] but following around here, with this heat, the tyres were overheating a lot and I could never really go for a move," said Verstappen.

"We just tried to stay calm and stay close. We pitted a bit earlier and from there onwards you never know how the race was going to go.

"The car was quick today - of course, unlucky for Charles, I hope he is okay - but I just did my race and looked after the tyres.

"I always try to get the most points possible. Some moves, you see they are on, and sometimes you just have to back out and wait for the end of the race. That's what we did. There are plenty more races to come where you have to score points. In that aspect today was a great day."

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