F1, Max Verstappen wins the Spanish GP: Records broken
Red Bull's Max Verstappen has won the Spanish Grand Prix ahead of team-mate Sergio Perez and Mercedes driver George Russell. This is Verstappen's fourth win of the Formula 1 2022 season. He had earlier won the Saudi Arabian GP, Emilia Romagna GP, and Miami GP respectively. Meanwhile, Mercedes ace Lewis Hamilton lost fourth place to Carlos Sainz right at the death to finish fifth.
64th podium finish for Verstappen
This was Verstappen's 24th GP win of his career. He also claimed his 64th podium finish. Last season, Verstappen had finished second at the Spanish GP behind Lewis Hamilton. This was his fifth successive podium finish at the Spanish GP. The tally reads 2018 (3rd), 2019 (3rd), 2020 (2nd), 2021 (2nd), and 2022 (1st). It's his sixth podium finish here and second win overall.
Russell maintains consistency; Hamilton finishes fifth
Mercedes driver Russell has finished in the top five at every race this season. He finished fourth in Bahrain, 5th in Saudi Arabia, third in Australia, 4th in Emilia Romagna, and fifth in Miami, prior to this race. Meanwhile, seven-time F1 champion Hamilton claimed fifth place after gaining momentum late on. His finishes this season reads as 3rd, 10th, 4th, 13th, 6th, and 5th.
Ferrari's Leclerc retires after losing power
It was a major blow for Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc, who was forced to retire after cruising comfortably at one stage. He lost power in lap number 28. "No! No! Lost power!!", said Leclerc on the team radio. He had earlier won the pole.
Verstappen topples Leclerc to lead the show
Verstappen collected 25 points from the race and is now leading the standings. He has raced to 110 points. Leclerc has dropped to second place (104 points). Perez is positioned next with 85 points. He collected 19 points from the Spanish GP, which included an extra point for the fastest lap. Meanwhile, Russell is placed fourth (74 points) and is above Sainz (65).
A look at the 2022 Constructor Standings
In terms of the Constructors, Red Bull have leapfrogged Ferrari. They are atop with 195 points.. Ferrari are second with 165 points. Mercedes are third with 120 points. McLaren are fourth with 50 points. Alfa Romeo are fifth with 39 and lead Alpine (34).
Key numbers for Verstappen and Perez
As per F1's official site, Verstappen has won every time he's seen the chequered flag this season. The Dutchman has taken the lead for the first time in 2022. Verstappen was 46 points behind Leclerc after the Australian Grand Prix. Meanwhile, Perez ensured Red Bull's second one-two finish in the last three races. He earned his 18th podium as well.
Notable feats for Russell
Mercedes' George Russell is the only driver to have scored in every race this season. This was his second podium of the year. Meanwhile, Hamilton took his third top-five finish of the season. Bottas clinched his third top-six finish of the season.
