Max Verstappen has edged out a number of drivers to claim victory at a wet Canadian Grand Prix on Sunday.
In a race where the lead changed hands on several occasions, it was the Red Bull driver who was able to come through on top in a race that featured two safety cars.
Mercedes driver George Russell had started on pole and was constantly challenging for the lead, yet the British driver - as well as compatriot Lando Norris - did not benefit from certain tyre choices at various parts of the race.
Quick-thinking and strategy proved key, particularly during the latter stages when Norris stayed out one lap too many on intermediates and was pipped by Verstappen as he remerged from the pit lane.
Although the second safety car brought the cars together during the closing stages, Norris was unable to threaten Verstappen who would finish 3.879 seconds ahead.
Behind him, Oscar Piastri and Russell made contact on the final chicane - Piastri retaining his third place - but Russell responded to overtake Lewis Hamilton and the Australian to finish on the podium.
Back on top 💪#F1 #CanadianGP pic.twitter.com/FSvzZj0arn
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What did the drivers have to say?
Speaking after the race, Verstappen said: "It was a pretty crazy race, a lot of things were happening and we had to keep on top of our calls.
"As a team we did really well today, we remained calm and we pitted at the right time, the safety car worked out nicely for us but even after that we were managing the gaps quite well.
"I love it, that was a lot of fun, those kind of races you need once in a while."
Although he ultimately missed out on victory, Norris felt that he and McLaren produced the "perfect" race, saying: "It was [wild]. it was chaos it was eventful to be honest, I felt like I drove a good race, the whole time, from start to finish.
"The first two stints were strong, I had amazing pace, then the safety car had me over, just like it helped me in Miami. It's now had me back over. Honestly, I thought it was a pretty perfect race from my side, just a bit unlucky but it was good fun overall.
"These conditions were so stressful inside the car but very enjoyable at the same time."
Russell was far more frustrated with his third place, adding: "It felt like a missed opportunity to be honest. We were really quick at the beginning on the inters and then Lando came through really fast and then we jumped back onto the slicks and made a couple of mistakes, pushing the limits and paid the price, but nevertheless it was our first podium of the year.
"We had a really fast car this weekend and to be back in mix fighting for a victory, that's what F1 is about."
LAP CHART (LAP 70/70)
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Untangle this 😵💫 #F1 #CanadianGP pic.twitter.com/51fxEx4Gvl
Who else collected points?
While Hamilton would have been frustrated to miss out on his first podium of the season, the seven-time world champion can take the positives from finishing fourth after starting in seventh.
Piastri had to make do with fifth, while the Aston Martin duo of Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll were sixth and seventh place respectively.
The remainder of the points went to Daniel Riccardo, Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon respectively, the latter pair collecting points for Alpine despite starting in 15th and 18th respectively.
In terms of the title race, Verstappen is now 68 points ahead after nearest rival Charles Leclerc retired in his Ferrari on lap 43, with fourth-placed Carlos Sainz Jr and fifth-placed Sergio Perez also failing to pick up points after also failing to finish.
Norris is now only seven points adrift of third, but Russell and Hamilton remain in seventh and eighth respectively, the former still 12 points adrift of Piastri in sixth.
Darren Plant
