SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium (Reuters) - Red Bull’s Max Verstappen took another giant stride towards a second successive Formula One title with a dominant win from 14th on the grid in Sunday’s Belgian Grand Prix.
The Dutch driver, who was quickest in qualifying but dropped down the grid due to engine and gearbox-related penalties, delivered a masterclass as he beat Mexican team mate Sergio Perez by 17.8 seconds and set the fastest lap.
Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz finished a distant third after starting from pole position.
Verstappen went into the weekend already not needing to win again this season but his victory on Sunday, the 29th of his career, put him a massive 93 points clear of Perez, who moved into second overall.
The experienced Mexican has often acted as ‘rear-gunner’ to Verstappen and on Sunday again dutifully let him through to take the lead.
“Max was on another planet today, he was flying, he was untouchable,” said Perez.
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who started one place behind Verstappen in 15th after collecting similar grid drops, finished fifth on the road but was demoted to sixth after a penalty for speeding in the pitlane.
The Monegasque, who was the championship favorite early in the season, dropped to third overall and 98 points behind Verstappen with eight races remaining.