A suspected engine failure has cost Charles Leclerc at the Spanish Grand Prix, helping Max Verstappen claim victory and the championship lead.

Leclerc led by more than 10 seconds and was the fastest car on track when he lost power on lap 27 of 66 in the scorching Barcelona sun.

Verstappen, who spun off the track and had a faulty DRS, made a three-stop strategy work for him as the defending champion moved ahead in the drivers' championship.

Leclerc had the perfect start from pole position and led into turn one, building a small margin to Verstappen over the opening laps.

When a gust of wind at the left-handed turn four later sent Verstappen into the gravel, the Ferrari driver looked set to extend his lead in the drivers' championship.

Leclerc said he had no warning before his car failed, ending his hopes of a third win of the season.

"I had no indications before and it just broke and lost power completely," he told Sky Sports F1.

"It's a shame. In those moments I believe there is nothing else I can do but look at the positives.

Verstappen had a frustrating race for the first 27 laps, with the spin on lap nine dropping him from second to fourth.

After being allowed past by his teammate Sergio Perez into third, Verstappen spent more than a dozen laps behind the Mercedes of George Russell.

Verstappen's DRS problems from Saturday's qualifying came back to haunt Red Bull during the race.

When the Dutchman went to open his rear wing for the speed boost it would intermittently fail, making overtaking Russell a challenge.

The same problem cost Verstappen a chance at pole position on Saturday in qualifying, angering the world champion who was heard swearing over the radio to his team.

But once Leclerc was out Red Bull immediately pitted Verstappen to change to a three-stop strategy.

It was a masterstroke as Verstappen was able to put the mechanical issues behind him and dominate the race.

"We managed to sure the strategy to get ahead … to do our own race and eventually win," Verstappen said. 

"I tried to stay focused, it's not nice when stuff like that happens.

"At the end I'm very happy to win."

Daniel Ricciardo struggles in the midfield 

Despite starting from ninth position, Daniel Ricciardo had a largely forgettable Spanish Grand Prix. 

The Australian moved up to eighth early before falling down the order and never looked like threatening the top-10 finishing in 12th.

It was better news on the other side of the McLaren garage, with Lando Norris driving a super race. 

The Briton started 11th after a difficult qualifying session on Saturday, but he was faultless in Sunday's race.

Norris rallied to finish eighth, securing much-needed points for McLaren.