The 2025 Formula 1 Imola Grand Prix delivered high-speed drama and strategic battles, with Max Verstappen taking a commanding win for Red Bull.
Starting from second place, Verstappen overtook pole-sitter Oscar Piastri in the first corner with a bold yet calculated move and never looked back. McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri secured second and third place, marking a successful double podium for the team.
The race began with immediate action as Verstappen claimed the lead through a clean overtake around the outside. Norris, after an initial failed attempt that forced him onto the grass, successfully passed George Russell on lap 11 to climb to third. Meanwhile, the midfield saw intense duels between Hamilton and Antonelli, while Pierre Gasly dropped positions after going off track.
Piastri switched to hard tires on lap 14 but lost time due to a slow pit stop. Nonetheless, he steadily regained positions, aided by his consistent pace. By lap 18, Verstappen had established a gap of nearly 10 seconds over Norris. A Virtual Safety Car was deployed on lap 30 after Ocon retired, and Verstappen made a perfectly timed pit stop to maintain a sizable lead.
In the final laps, the Safety Car re-entered the track following Antonelli’s retirement. Verstappen retained control at the restart, while Norris overtook Piastri for second place. Hamilton climbed the field to finish fourth after strong overtakes on Russell and Leclerc, while Albon also moved up after a fierce fight with the Ferrari driver.
Ultimately, Verstappen’s flawless drive secured him the win in Imola, with McLaren celebrating a valuable double podium in the championship race.