McLaren’s Oscar Piastri finished second, with McLaren team mate Lando Norris ending in third. 

Verstappen had to head off a feisty charge by Norris, who overtook the Dutchman in the fifth lap, but Verstappen reclaimed first position moments later. 

Mercedes’ George Russell, Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz and Russell’s team mate Lewis Hamilton finished fourth, fifth and sixth, while Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Red Bull’s Sergio Perez also ended with points.

As far as qualifying for Sunday’s race goes, Verstappen will start on pole. He will share the first row with Norris, who made no mistakes in the qualifying.  Russell will start on third and Sainz on fourth.

Lewis Hamilton continues his steady form and will start fifth, with Leclerc in sixth.  After his fantastic finish in the sprint, Piastri will be disappointed with his seventh place on the grid, while Sergio Perez will also not be happy with eight place.  Nico Hulkenburg and Esteban Ocon complete the top 10 on the grid. 

OFM Sport/Ilse Smalberger