Max Verstappen cannibalizes Montreal and joins Senna, Leclerc and Sainz 4th and 5th

An absolute triumph once again, complete with the achievement of a legend.

Max Verstappen cannibalized the Canadian Grand Prix, led from the first to the last meter, and won in Montreal race number 41 of his career. A non-random number, since it coincides with that of the legend Ayrton Senna. Behind him, Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton complete the podium, long battling each other. Good signs, however, for Ferrari, which places Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz in fourth and fifth place, respectively, with a strategy that was finally spot on.

The dreaded Montreal start presents no jolts, least of all for Verstappen, who immediately takes off. The only headaches of his Sunday will concern the warm-up of the tires, never, however, to the point of questioning his success. Behind him, on the other hand, the duel between Alonso and Hamilton ignited, with the Spaniard taking back second position and further regaining it with another overtaking move after the pit stops. Sainz, after a difficult start, overtakes Perez.

On lap 13 the turning point: Russell goes to the wall and, while managing not to retire immediately, causes the Safety Car to enter the track. The leading drivers change tires, not Leclerc and Sainz, who climb into that fourth and fifth position that they will never leave again. Ferrari chooses to make one less tire change than the competition, and the decision will prove to be apt.

On lap 35 a long run by Magnussen creates a hint of danger for the overtaking Verstappen, who, however, avoids it without any problems. Leclerc and Sainz take the satisfaction of setting a few fast laps (the final one will be by an opaque Sergio Perez), then from Ferrari comes the indication to freeze positions. In the finale Hamilton tries to shorten on Alonso, but the positions no longer change.

Canadian Grand Prix 2023, the order of finish:

1. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
2. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)
3. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
4. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
5. Carlos Sainz (Ferrari)
6. Sergio Perez (Red Bull)
7. Alexander Albon (Williams)
8. Esteban Ocon (Alpine)
9. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)
10. Valtteri Bottas (Alfa Romeo)