MAX VERSTAPPEN coasted to victory in the French GP to open up a GIANT 63 point lead in the championship after nearest rival Charles Leclerc crashed out.
Leclerc was leading until he lost control of his Ferrari and slid into the barriers at the end of lap 17.
He let out a primaeval scream in anguish as he blew another chance to stop Vertstappen’s romp to the title.
He complained that his throttle had stuck open, which could account for running wide at turn 11.
But worryingly, it was the second race in a row that has happened as it nearly cost him victory in Austria last weekend.
Leclerc’s DNF and Carlos Sainz starting from the back of the grid – owing to the penalties he picked up for new engine components after his fire in Austria – allowed Mercedes into the mix.
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And Lewis Hamilton took full advantage on his 300th GP start to snatch a well-deserved second place – his first of the season.
Hamilton made an excellent start and managed to leapfrog Sergio Perez and into third place.
Further back there was contact between Esteban Ocon and Yuki Tsunoda but otherwise it was a routine start.
It all played into the hands of Leclerc, who was able to stay ahead of the threat of Verstappen.
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But it all came to a shuddering halt when he stuffed his car into the barriers – just moments after receiving a message from his team about preserving his tyres.
It was a devastating blow given Verstappen’s advantage in the title race – especially when Leclerc was leading by 46 points after the Australian GP.
The upshot meant we were treated to a genuine fight on track between Verstappen and Hamilton for the first time since their controversial Abu Dhabi GP.
But in truth there was no stopping Verstappen, who was able to power away from Hamilton’s Mercedes.
But there was a closer battle between their respective teammates, Perez and George Russell.
The Mexican was in front but Russell looked determined to get his man and the two came close to wiping each other out on lap 43.
Russell was furious and was given some words of encouragement from boss Toto Wolff.
And after Guanyu Zhou retired and the virtual safety car, Russell was finally able to get the jump and moved into third place on lap 51.
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He then defended from Perez to hold on for third place just behind Hamilton, who was second, as Merc took a double podium.
Verstappen, who was unchallenged for the duration of the race following Leclerc’s retirement, crossed the line to take his seventh win of the season.