2021 Monaco Grand Prix: Verstappen wins, Hamilton claims fastest lap

Verstappen holds off Hamilton to win Monaco

Max Verstappen won the 2021 Monaco Grand Prix, holding off Lewis Hamilton in a thrilling race that saw the Dutchman take the lead on lap 21 and never look back. Hamilton, who started the race from pole position, finished second, with Valtteri Bottas completing the podium for Mercedes.

The race was full of drama, with several crashes and safety car periods. The first safety car was deployed on lap 1 after Mick Schumacher crashed out at Turn 1. The second safety car was deployed on lap 28 after Sergio Perez crashed out at Turn 16. The third and final safety car was deployed on lap 33 after Nicholas Latifi crashed out at Turn 1.

Despite the safety cars, the race was still an exciting affair. Verstappen was able to build up a lead of over 10 seconds at one point, but Hamilton was able to close the gap in the final laps. In the end, Verstappen crossed the line just 0.9 seconds ahead of Hamilton.

The win was Verstappen's first in Monaco and his second of the season. It also moved him into the lead of the drivers' championship standings, with 105 points. Hamilton is second with 101 points, while Bottas is third with 69 points.

Hamilton claims fastest lap

In addition to his second-place finish, Hamilton also claimed the fastest lap of the race. He set a time of 1:12.909 on lap 64, which was over 0.5 seconds faster than anyone else. This is the second time that Hamilton has set the fastest lap of the race this season. He also set the fastest lap in the Bahrain Grand Prix.

The fastest lap gives Hamilton an extra point in the drivers' championship standings. This is important because it could be the difference between winning and losing the championship at the end of the season.