Max Verstappen wins dramatic Dutch Grand Prix after Sergio Perez controversy
Max Verstappen recovered from a tricky start to win the Dutch Grand Prix in brutal conditions on Sunday afternoon.
A deluge of rain hampered the final stages of Sunday's race at Circuit Zandvoort. The red flag was produced with seven laps to go - leading to a lengthy delay - before Verstappen held off Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso during a dramatic conclusion.
Verstappen started the Dutch GP on pole but lost his position to Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez. Controversy followed when the Dutchman undercut Perez and enjoyed a quicker pit stop, allowing him to regain P1 and spark suggestions of favouritism.
Verstappen's victory means he's equalled Red Bull icon Sebastian Vettel's record of the most consecutive wins in Formula One, achieved during the 2013 season. Verstappen will try to claim the outright record at next weekend's Italian Grand Prix in Monza.
"Incredibly proud," admitted Verstappen after his latest win. "I already had goosebumps when they were playing the national anthem before the start. Even with all the bad weather and the rain the fans were still going at it, so an incredible atmosphere."
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Verstappen didn't get off to the perfect start at Circuit Zandvoort. The reigning two-time world champion found himself down in 13th place after seven drivers - including Perez – took advantage of a sudden first-lap downpour to move on to wet tyres.
The Dutchman regained the lead on lap 13 of 72 only for the race to be red-flagged after Zhou Guanyu crashed out following a second heavy shower. A 43-minute suspension followed, as the tyre barrier at the opening corner was repaired.
But Verstappen beat Alonso in a six-lap dash to the chequered flag. Perez finished third but was demoted a place after he was hit with a five-second penalty for speeding in the pit lane, allowing Pierre Gasly to take the final spot on the podium.
Verstappen faced awful conditions in the Netherlands (Getty Images)What's your thoughts on the Dutch Grand Prix? Let us know in the comments below!
Gasly said: "All I want to say is lets go! I’m feeling so stocked, what a race coming back from the summer break. It hasn’t been the easiest start of the year just trying to improve race by race and yeah it was good to get some time off, come back and get straight into it. I’m super pleased for all the guys to get that P3."
Alonso added: "It was a very intense race at the beginning with the wet conditions. We were very fast, we maybe stopped one lap too late, the same as the leaders. The car was flying, it was very competitive, very easy to drive. In these conditions you need a car that you can trust and I did trust the car today."
Carlos Sainz finished fifth, holding off Lewis Hamilton, with Lando Norris seventh. George Russell was forced to retire his Mercedes following a late duel with Norris. Alex Albon (eighth), Oscar Piastri (ninth) and Esteban Ocon (10th) also finished in the points.
Verstappen, whose Red Bull team remain unbeaten this season, extended his championship lead from 125 points to 138 ahead of next weekend’s Italian Grand Prix in Monza. After 13 races, Red Bull remain the only team to win a race this year.
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