- Mercedes’ Hamilton and Russell complete the podium
- Leclerc’s title hopes in tatters as Verstappen stretches lead
Max Verstappen won the French Grand Prix with a dominant run and made a significant step toward his second Formula One world championship as title rival Charle Leclerc’s hopes were left in tatters as he crashed out from the lead. The Red Bull driver eased to victory at Paul Ricard from Lewis Hamilton in second and George Russell in third taking the first double podium for Mercedes this season. Verstappen’s teammate Sergio Pérez was fourth, and Carlos Sainz in fifth from 19th on the grid for Ferrari.
Verstappen’s win from second on the grid was unspectacular in a race that was defined by the moment Leclerc made an uncharacteristic error that has dealt his his championships hopes an enormous blow.