Max Verstappen has strengthened his lead in the Formula One World Championship after taking a thrilling victory in the Monaco Grand Prix. The Red Bull driver held off a late charge from Fernando Alonso and Esteban Ocon to take the chequered flag and extend his advantage at the top of the standings.
Verstappen had started on pole position and led for much of the race, but was forced to defend his lead in the closing stages as Alonso and Ocon closed in. The Dutchman was able to keep his rivals at bay, however, and crossed the line to take his second win of the season.
Alonso and Ocon were forced to settle for second and third respectively, with the former making a remarkable return to F1 after two years away from the sport. The Spaniard had been running in second place for much of the race, but was unable to find a way past Verstappen in the closing stages.
Ocon, meanwhile, put in a strong performance to take third place and secure his first podium finish since 2018. The Frenchman had been running in fourth place for much of the race, but was able to pass Valtteri Bottas on the final lap to take third place.
The result means that Verstappen now holds a seven-point lead over Lewis Hamilton in the championship standings. The Briton had been running in fifth place for much of the race, but was able to move up to fourth after capitalising on a late mistake from Charles Leclerc.
The Monaco Grand Prix was an exciting race that saw Verstappen take a hard-fought victory and extend his lead at the top of the standings. Alonso and Ocon both put in strong performances to take second and third respectively, while Hamilton was able to move up to fourth and keep himself in contention for the title. With nine races still to go, this year’s championship looks set to be an exciting one.
