The race began with a damp track, and the drivers faced the challenging task of dealing with fluctuating weather conditions. McLaren's Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri took advantage of strategic pit stops and skillful driving to take the lead at various stages.
However, Verstappen's keen sense of timing and decision making proved crucial. He pitted only a lap ahead of Norris each time, allowing him to take the lead and maintain his lead.
The decisive moment came after a safety-car period with 11 laps remaining.Verstappen demonstrated his mastery, executing a flawless restart and gaining a lead of almost two seconds in just one lap. Behind him, a fierce battle broke out as Norris and Piastri found themselves locked in a thrilling contest with the Mercedes pair of Lewis Hamilton and George Russell.
Norris, despite his previous heroics, could not mount a challenge against the reigning world champion in the final stages. Verstappen's calm and composed driving ensured he maintained control and took a well-deserved victory. Norris, who had shown impressive pace throughout, had to settle for second place, showing what could have been if tactical mistakes had not been made.The drama continued to the end, with George Russell overtaking his teammate Lewis Hamilton to take the final podium position with just three laps remaining. Russell, starting from his first pole position in almost two years, showed glimpses of talent, but had to make up for some key errors that likely cost him a higher placing.
Hamilton crossed the line in fourth place, followed by Oscar Piastri, who performed admirably for McLaren. Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso, a consistently good performer, finished a solid sixth, holding off the top contenders in a race that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
However, Verstappen's keen sense of timing and decision making proved crucial. He pitted only a lap ahead of Norris each time, allowing him to take the lead and maintain his lead.
The decisive moment came after a safety-car period with 11 laps remaining.Verstappen demonstrated his mastery, executing a flawless restart and gaining a lead of almost two seconds in just one lap. Behind him, a fierce battle broke out as Norris and Piastri found themselves locked in a thrilling contest with the Mercedes pair of Lewis Hamilton and George Russell.
Norris, despite his previous heroics, could not mount a challenge against the reigning world champion in the final stages. Verstappen's calm and composed driving ensured he maintained control and took a well-deserved victory. Norris, who had shown impressive pace throughout, had to settle for second place, showing what could have been if tactical mistakes had not been made.The drama continued to the end, with George Russell overtaking his teammate Lewis Hamilton to take the final podium position with just three laps remaining. Russell, starting from his first pole position in almost two years, showed glimpses of talent, but had to make up for some key errors that likely cost him a higher placing.
Hamilton crossed the line in fourth place, followed by Oscar Piastri, who performed admirably for McLaren. Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso, a consistently good performer, finished a solid sixth, holding off the top contenders in a race that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
