Verstappen wins rainy Dutch GP to equal Vettel's F1 record with 9th straight victory

Runaway Formula One leader Max Verstappen won a rain-marred Dutch Grand Prix on Sunday to equal Sebastian Vettel's F1 record of nine straight victories, and increased his huge championship lead to 138 points as he races toward a third straight world title.

The Red Bull star clinched his third straight win from pole position at the Zandvoort track, with veteran Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso of Spain finishing second and picking up a bonus point for the fastest lap.

"Nine in a row is something I never even thought about. Very happy with that," Verstappen said. "I know I have a car which is capable of a lot."

The orange-clad home crowd pumped him up.

"I already had goose bumps when they were playing the national anthem before the start. Even with all the bad weather and the rain the fans were still going at it, an incredible atmosphere," the Dutch driver said. "I'm going to enjoy this. It's always tough, the pressure is always on to perform."

An extraordinary race and a remarkable record-equalling win by <a href="https://twitter.com/Max33Verstappen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Max33Verstappen</a>