After a first ‘restart’ launched behind the safety car, perfectly managed by Ocon, the Frenchman seemed to master the Red Bull driver perfectly, before an exit from Sainz, five laps later, put everyone back in a tight row behind the ‘safety car’. Everything had to be done again for the Norman driver, Bearman’s future teammate at Haas next year. But this time, Verstappen dove inside at the first corner to take the lead. At the same moment, the world title undoubtedly changed. Pushed to the outside by a maneuver by Leclerc (Ferrari) to pass Russel (Mercedes) on this second restart, Norris pulled straight on at the first turn to return to the track in 7th position, just behind his teammate Oscar Piastri.
Double podium pour Alpine !
And even if, three laps later, as during the sprint race, McLaren again asked the young Australian to let his teammate pass, nothing could stop Max Verstappen from setting lap records to irresistibly fly towards a victory undoubtedly crucial in the conquest of a 4th consecutive world title. Behind the Dutchman, who could savor his success, now giving him a 62-point lead in the championship, Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly, offered Alpine a double podium that was as unexpected as it was nice!
