Prema’s Maximilian Gunther claimed victory at the Pau Grand Prix after McLaren-backed youngster Lando Norris crashed out of the lead due to front suspension failure.
Norris had controlled proceedings from pole position at the French street circuit, twice opening up an advantage up front, after his lead was whittled down by a Safety Car period, caused when David Beckmann hit the wall.
Norris cruised clear of second-placed Gunther but crashed out at the Foch Chicane with 10 minutes remaining in the race.
Norris’ exit handed the lead to Gunther, and he maintained his position across the remainder of the race, as Callum Ilott completed a 1-2 for Prema.
Ralf Aron finished on the podium, while Harrison Newey battled past Joel Eriksson at the start to take fourth.
Eriksson’s fifth place means he draws level at the top of the championship standings with Norris, the pair just two points clear of victor Gunther.
Ferdinand Habsburg collected sixth position, ahead of Tadasuke Makino, Pedro Piquet, Jake Dennis and Guan Yu Zhou.
