Formula One: Max Verstappen triumphs at Imola, closes gap in championship chase
Max Verstappen clinched his second win of the 2025 Formula 1 season at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, delivering a masterclass in racecraft and strategy. The Red Bull driver, starting from the front row, made a bold move on pole-sitter Oscar Piastri at the very first corner, seizing the lead and setting the tone for a dominant performance that would see him cross the finish line unchallenged. The win also marked a special milestone for Red Bull Racing, celebrating its 400th race in Formula 1 with a resounding victory. Verstappen’s crucial overtake on Piastri came in the opening moments, as he braved the outside line to snatch the lead. That risk paid off, with Verstappen building a comfortable gap until a mid-race Safety Car, triggered by Kimi Antonelli‘s stricken Mercedes, compressed the field. Nevertheless, the Dutchman held his ground, expertly managing restarts and tire strategies to secure his first win since the Japanese Grand Prix last month.Lando Norris showcased remarkable race pace to finish second, overtaking his McLaren teammate Piastri in the final laps. Norris capitalized on fresher tires, executing a move reminiscent of Verstappen’s earlier overtake. “We had a good little battle at the end, which is always tense but fun,” Norris commented, acknowledging Red Bull’s superior speed. Piastri, who had been chasing his fourth straight win, settled for third, trimming his championship lead over Norris to 13 points, with Verstappen now just nine points behind the McLaren driver.Hamilton Shines in Ferrari debut on home soil In his first Italian outing for Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton surged from 12th on the grid to a commendable fourth-place finish. The seven-time world champion capitalized on a late-race tussle between Charles Leclerc and Alex Albon, moving past both to secure valuable points. Albon held on for fifth, delivering an impressive drive for Williams, while Leclerc followed in sixth after being instructed by Ferrari to yield the position to Albon.
Mercedes’ George Russell came home seventh, the sole finisher for the Silver Arrows following Antonelli’s retirement. Carlos Sainz Jr. secured eighth for Williams, while Racing Bulls rookie Isack Hadjar impressed with a solid ninth-place finish. Yuki Tsunoda rounded out the top ten for Red Bull after a recovery drive from the back of the grid due to a crash in qualifying.Imola’s uncertain future casts a shadow over thrilling race The Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, potentially the last at Imola for the foreseeable future, offered no shortage of on-track drama. Traditionally known for its narrow layout and limited overtaking opportunities, the historic circuit delivered unexpected excitement, with Verstappen’s audacious start setting the stage.Sunday marked the last race under its current contract, and with no renewal confirmed, its fate hangs in the balance. McLaren’s Oscar Piastri expressed his disappointment, saying, “If we don’t come back here, it is going to be a shame.” As the dust settled on a dramatic weekend in Italy, the championship battle grew tighter. Piastri still leads with 146 points, followed by Norris at 133, and Verstappen closing in with 124. (Inputs from IANS).
