Verstappen steers Red Bull to 100th F1 win with Canada GP crown
Race winner Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing celebrates on the podium during the F1 Grand Prix of Canada at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Montreal, Quebec, June 18, 2023. (AA Photo)


Dutch racer Max Verstappen seized victory at the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve in Montreal, propelling his Red Bull team to an extraordinary milestone of 100 triumphant finishes.

The Canadian Grand Prix, a stage teeming with anticipation, witnessed Verstappen, a formidable back-to-back world champion, claim the checkered flag in resounding fashion, leaving competitors in his scorching wake.

The resplendent Montreal sky bore witness to Verstappen's dazzling dominance as he completed the grueling 70-lap race with impeccable precision, recording a mesmerizing time of one hour, 33 minutes and 58.348 seconds.

Fernando Alonso, the Spanish driver representing the Aston Martin team, valiantly chased Verstappen, crossing the finish line 9.57 seconds adrift to secure a worthy second place in the fiercely contested Round 9.

Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula One champion, settled for third position, a mere 14.168 seconds behind the victorious Verstappen.

In this electrifying 2023 season, Verstappen has emerged as an indomitable force, capturing the checkered flag in six out of eight races thus far.

The only interruption to this streak was the cancellation of the sixth round, the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, owing to the catastrophic flooding that plagued the northern regions of Italy.

However, Verstappen's triumph at the Canadian Grand Prix heralded an additional cause for celebration as he etched his name alongside the legendary Ayrton Senna.

With his 41st career victory, Verstappen equaled the late Brazilian icon's record.

Senna's death in 1994 during the San Marino Grand Prix in Imola, Italy, rendered his remarkable accomplishments even more revered, elevating Verstappen's achievement to monumental proportions.

Beyond Verstappen's individual triumphs, his Red Bull team has showcased an unparalleled level of excellence throughout this remarkable season, flaunting an impeccable record of victories.

Mexican sensation Sergio Perez, Verstappen's teammate, contributed two glorious Grand Prix wins to the team's soaring tally, underscoring their collective dominance on the track.

Looking ahead, the motorsport world braces itself for another scintillating battle of Round 10, set for Austria on July 2.

Verstappen, undeniably the star of this season, leads the 2023 Driver Standings with 195 points.

His closest rival, Sergio Perez, trails with 126 points, while Fernando Alonso claims third place with 117 points.

Trailing behind the podium contenders, Lewis Hamilton occupies the fourth spot with 102 points, while Carlos Sainz, the Ferrari driver, follows closely, lying 34 points adrift from the British maestro's score.

In the battle of the constructors, Red Bull has emerged as an unstoppable force, amassing a colossal 321 points and enjoying a commanding lead in the season's standings.

Their supremacy leaves second-place Mercedes, a team synonymous with success, trailing in their wake with a respectable but seemingly insurmountable 167 points.

Aston Martin valiantly stakes their claim to third place with an admirable tally of 154 points, while Ferrari, steeped in rich racing heritage, gathers momentum with 122 points.

Meanwhile, the up-and-coming Alpine team secures a respectable fifth position with a commendable 44 points, leaving competitors in awe of their burgeoning potential.