Round 16 of the 2025 Formula 1 season delivered pure excitement at Monza, the Temple of Speed. While Ferrari fans packed the grandstands in hopes of a home victory, it was once again Red Bull’s Max Verstappen who claimed the top step of the podium. Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri completed a strong double podium for McLaren.
Even before the race began, drama unfolded as Sauber’s Nico Hülkenberg was instructed to retire during the formation lap. At the start, pole-sitter Verstappen kept his lead but was forced to cut the chicane while defending against Norris. As a result, the Dutchman was ordered to hand back the position, putting Norris in the lead.
Verstappen, however, quickly regained control of the race with superior pace. Meanwhile, McLaren’s duo battled among themselves. After Norris suffered a slow 5.9-second pit stop, Piastri temporarily moved ahead, only for the team to instruct him to give the place back.
The race also saw its share of incidents. Esteban Ocon received a 5-second penalty for pushing Lance Stroll off the track. Fernando Alonso retired due to a suspension failure, and a collision between Carlos Sainz and Oliver Bearman caused brief drama but both continued.
After 53 laps, Verstappen crossed the line first, followed by Norris in second and Piastri in third. Charles Leclerc finished fourth, ahead of George Russell in fifth and Lewis Hamilton in sixth.