The 2022 season is only eight events old, but we’re already seeing a strong trend on the horizon. Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc and Sergio Perez stand out from the other drivers in the overall standings.
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Leclerc, who plays for Ferrari, presented the calendar valid in Bahrain. After pole in qualifying, the Frenchman won ahead of his teammate Carlos Sainz Jr. A first win for Ferrari in 46 events. A brilliant coup that sparked hostilities.
Max Verstappen shows a sign of life at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. The Red Bull driver overtakes Leclerc in the final laps and takes his first win of the season. However, Leclerc had not yet spoken his last word. In Australia he showed a dominant performance both in qualifying and in the race. Verstappen fell victim to a mechanical problem and was unable to finish.
It’s Max’s turn
The reigning world champion is back in action with three wins in a row. He first signed a win at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. Verstappen was able to stop Leclerc, who passed him on the first lap.
At the first stop of the F1 circus in Miami, Red Bull gets a double. Verstappen climbs to the first step of the podium and his teammate Sergio Perez to the second.
The Dutchman continues his dominance in Spain. Verstappen wins the event despite having DRS issues. He manages to overtake Perez on the 49th lap. After taking the lead in qualifying, Leclerc was forced to retire with an engine problem.
Because of this result, Verstappen takes the lead in the drivers’ standings with a six-point lead.
In Monaco, Perez shows his teeth. The Red Bull driver slips into the front row of the grid after a strategic mistake by Leclerc, who took pole in qualifying. With this first place, he drew closer to Leclerc and his teammate Verstappen, who is installed on the front row.
Late last week in Baku, Verstappen and Perez scored big points in the standings as both Ferraris were forced to retire. With the win, Vertappen extended a 34-point lead over first place.