P1racenews AI automatic summary:
One of those days when the racing Gods smiled on Max Verstappen, but what a shocker for Ferrari.
Max Verstappen increased his F1 championship lead by winning the chaotic Canadian Grand Prix, which featured two safety car periods due to intermittent rain causing mayhem. Lando Norris lost the lead due to the first safety car deployment after Logan Sargeant’s crash, finishing second, just ahead of George Russell in third, the first podium for Mercedes this season. With his 60th career victory, Verstappen extended his lead over Charles Leclerc to 56 points, while Norris trails further by seven points. Ferrari had a challenging race, with Leclerc retiring due to an engine issue, followed by Carlos Sainz, bringing the total number of retirements to five.
The race in Canada started in wet conditions but with a clear sky, leading to a standing start instead of behind the safety car. Haas took a strategic risk by starting Magnussen and Hulkenberg on full wet tires, which initially paid off as they climbed up the grid. However, as the rain stopped and the track began to dry, strategic tire changes became crucial. Magnussen’s pit stop mishap cost him positions, while Hulkenberg struggled on worn wet tires as the field closed in. Verstappen gradually closed in on Russell, unable to use DRS due to track conditions, setting the stage for a tense battle at the front of the pack.
