Max Verstappen has done it again: on Sunday he won the Syrian Grand Prix after beating Lewis Hamilton in their classic duel. In doing so, he has extended his championship lead to 18 points.
This was his second consecutive victory, which allows him to take an important step in his quest for the first world title of his career. It was also the fourth consecutive victory for the Red Bull team.
In truth, the race was fairly uneventful. In a most unusual scene in Formula 1, a helpless Hamilton was left behind and unable to respond to his rival who had no trouble maintaining control of the race.
In a season marked by heart-stopping races and tight battles, excitement was conspicuous by its absence at this Grand Prix.
However, while Verstappen and Hamilton failed to put on a show, there were other drivers who did their best to entertain.
That was the case for Monaco’s Charles Leclerc, who fell to last place after damaging his front wing on the first lap, but fought back and started to pass rivals in an incredible way to achieve a very decent seventh place.
The seven-time champion is now in serious trouble and the possibility of the Briton relinquishing the throne after five years of absolute dominance is growing.
