Monaco GP: Max Verstappen overcomes rain to seal dominant victory ahead of Fernando Alonso

Max Verstappen extends world championship lead to 39 points after overcoming rain to win the Monaco Grand Prix; Fernando Alonso second for Aston Martin; Esteban Ocon claims final podium spot for Alpine; Lewis Hamilton and George Russell fourth and fifth respectively for Mercedes

Max Verstappen produced a supreme display to overcome rain and the challenge of Fernando Alonso to win the Monaco Grand Prix.

Having pipped Alonso to pole in the dying seconds of Saturday’s thrilling qualifying session, Red Bull’s Verstappen looked to be on course for a far more routine Sunday as he held his lead at the start and built a significant margin over the Aston Martin.

Rain began falling with a third of race remaining to suddenly create jeopardy, but Verstappen responded with great composure and showed his superb skills in wet conditions to ultimately extend his advantage to almost 28 seconds by the time he took the chequered flag.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Rain causes chaos in Monaco with Max Verstappen nudging the wall, Lance Stroll hitting the barriers and Carlos Sainz spinning around!

Alonso claimed his fifth podium in six races with Aston Martin, while Esteban Ocon took full advantage of his brilliant qualifying performance to hold on to third for Alpine.

The victory extends Red Bull’s winning streak at the start of the season to six races, while Verstappen moves past Sebastian Vettel as the team’s all-time leading race winner with 39 triumphs.

Verstappen, who is seeking a third successive world championship, now holds a 39-point lead over his nearest challenger – and team-mate Sergio Perez, who finished 16th after a qualifying crash left the Mexican starting from the back of the grid.

More to follow…