The Dutchman converted pole position successfully despite having to contend with the rigours of a wet race among the final third of the contest, extending his stint on the medium tyres to cover off the looming threat of rain.
With a dry start to proceedings, the medium-shod Verstappen resisted the challenge from Alonso on the hards at the start, and immediately began to cement his lead early on with a strong opening salvo of laps to build a buffer.
