There was more drama in the Ferrari camp when Charles Leclerc crashed out while leading the race. It is a third time this season he has not finished a race while in the lead.

This teammate, Carlos Sainz, was denied a podium due to a tactical blunder by the team.

Lewis Hamilton finished in second for his best result of the season, while his Mercedes teammate, George Russel took third.

Verstappen said the conditions made strategy even more important.

“I mean I think we had really good pace from the start," said Verstappen.

“I was putting pressure on Charles but following around here with this heat, the tyres are overheating, I could never really go for a move, only once into Turn 11.

“But we just tried to stay calm, try to stay close. Of course, we pitted a bit early and from then onwards you never know how the race is going to go. But the car was quick today, and of course unlucky for Charles – I hope he is okay.

“From there onwards I just did my race, looked after the tyres, and because of the pit lane of course being so long, you couldn’t do another stop, so you had to stay out, but the tyres were wearing a lot. It was all about looking after the tyres until the end.”

This week the circuit is off to Hungaroring for the Hungarian Grand Prix.

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport