Verstappen extends title lead with masterful Spanish win

Red Bull's Dutch driver Max Verstappen (C) celebrates his first place flanked by Mercedes' British driver Lewis Hamilton (L) and Mercedes' British driver George Russell on the podium of the Spanish Formula One Grand Prix race at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo, on the outskirts of Barcelona - AFP

MONTMEL, AFP: Defending double world champion Max Verstappen extended his lead in this year’s title race to 53points on Sunday when he completed a hat-trick by driving his Red Bull to a masterful victory in the Spanish Grand Prix.

The 25-year-old Dutchman led from lights to flag to come home 24 seconds ahead of revitalised seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, in their much-improved Mercedes’ cars.

It was Verstappen’s third consecutive win, his third in Spain, his fifth in seven races this season and the 40th of his career, achieved despite receiving three official warnings for exceeding track limits.

 Hamilton’s second place provided him with his 11th podium finish in Spain, where he has won six times.

Verstappen’s Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez battled through the field, after starting 11th, to finish fourth ahead of Ferrari’s home hero Carlos Sainz, Lance Stroll and his Aston Martin team-mate two-time champion Fernando Alonso, who was unable to extend his streak of podiums on home ground.