Verstappen wins Canadian GP with precise pit stop strategy

The Canadian GP, ​​held this Sunday, was marked by the strategic skill and resilience of the drivers in a race that had several abandonments and challenging weather conditions. Max Verstappen, from Red Bull Racing, was crowned winner after a fierce dispute with Lando Norris, from McLaren, once again demonstrating his dominance in the 2024 season.

The race and climate challenges

Starting from second position, Verstappen faced challenges from the start. George Russell, from Mercedes, managed to hold on to the initial lead, while Lando Norris and Verstappen fought intensely for second place. The race started under wet track conditions, which required the drivers to have a well-calculated strategy for pit stops.

On lap 25, an incident involving Logan Sargeant brought the safety car onto the track, a crucial moment for Verstappen's strategy. Taking advantage of the opportunity, the Red Bull team brought forward their pit stop, allowing Verstappen to take the lead by getting ahead of Norris. The decision proved to be correct, consolidating the three-time champion's advantage.

Pit stop strategy and overcoming rivals

Even though he lost second place to Norris at the start of the race, Verstappen managed to strategically regain the lead. After the first pit stop, the Red Bull driver demonstrated a strong and consistent pace, which allowed him to gain an advantage over his direct competitors.

During the race, Verstappen had to overtake Norris again after a new round of pit stops. The driver's ability to maintain consistency under adverse wet track conditions was essential in securing the victory. George Russell, who had started on pole position, also had difficulty maintaining the pace, almost losing third place to McLaren's Oscar Piastri in the final laps. Russell, however, managed to hold on to third place, thus ensuring Mercedes' first podium of the 2024 season.

_{Verstappen celebrating his victory (Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/@maxverstappen1)}

Impact on the championship and dramatic outcomes

With the victory in Canada, Verstappen increased his lead in the drivers' championship, reaching 194 points. The fight for second place in the drivers' championship heated up with the retirement of Charles Leclerc, from Ferrari, allowing Norris to move closer to second place, now being just seven points behind the Ferrari driver.

The Canadian GP was particularly difficult for the Williams and Ferrari teams, who faced retirements due to accidents and mechanical problems. Williams' Logan Sargeant and Alexander Albon both retired after collisions. Ferrari's Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc were also unable to complete the race, with Leclerc experiencing engine problems and Sainz involved in an incident.

In the constructors' championship, Red Bull Racing further consolidated its lead, now accumulating 301 points. Mercedes, with Russell's podium, and McLaren, with the strong performance of Norris and Piastri, continue their battle to climb the general classification.

The 2024 Canadian GP was a spectacle of strategy and skill, with Verstappen reaffirming his dominance of the season. The combination of timely strategic decisions, such as well-timed pit stops, and the ability to maintain a strong pace in adverse conditions, were essential to the three-time champion's victory. With the next stage scheduled for the Spanish GP, expectations increase to see how drivers and teams will adjust their strategies to continue competing for the championship.

Featured Photo: Max Verstappen's victory (Reproduction/Instagram/@maxverstappen1)