French Grand Prix 2022 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Max Verstappen claimed a crucial victory at the French Grand Prix after championship rival Charles Leclerc crashed out of the lead in a devastating error that effectively ended Ferrari's title challenge. The Red Bull driver inherited the win when Leclerc lost control at high speed while leading on lap 18, spinning into the barriers and retiring on the spot. Lewis Hamilton finished second for Mercedes, with George Russell completing the podium in third to secure a double podium for the Silver Arrows.

Leclerc had started from pole position and controlled the opening stages at Circuit Paul Ricard, building a comfortable lead over Verstappen. The Ferrari appeared to have the measure of the Red Bull around the French circuit's fast, flowing corners. However, on lap 18, while lapping a backmarker, Leclerc pushed too hard through the high-speed Turn 11 and lost the rear of his F1-75. The car snapped away from him and spun into the tire barriers, causing heavy damage and ending his race immediately. It was a driver error at the worst possible moment, gifting Verstappen an unexpected victory.

The retirement marked a turning point in the championship. Verstappen's seventh win of the season extended his lead to 63 points over Leclerc with 10 races remaining, making the title fight all but over. Ferrari's combination of reliability failures, strategic mistakes, and now driver errors had squandered what had been a genuine championship challenge. Carlos Sainz set the fastest lap while finishing fifth after starting from the back due to power unit penalties. The result effectively sealed Verstappen's march to a second consecutive World Championship, with Red Bull now firmly in control of both title races.