F1 2025 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix Race Results: Max Verstappen wins at the iconic Imola, beating two McLarens
Max Vertsappen won the iconic Imola Grand Prix after battling against the two McLaren drivers. The brilliant strategy and tyre management helped him win in Italy.
Max Verstappen Imola GP win Photograph: (Instagram)
Max Verstappen has won the 2025 Emilia Romagna Grand prix, and Red Bull's 400th race was a stunner with multiple Safety cars and pit stops. The brilliant strategy and some luck helped the Dutch driver triumph against the two McLaren drivers. Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri tried hard to beat the Red Bull driver, but as usual, he was too good. The Ferrari team also did brilliantly in their strategy as Lewis Hamilton finished in P4 and Leclerc in P6.
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Here are the 2025 F1 Emilia Romagna GP Race results
The opening lap was a thriller as Oscar Piastri had a great start to the race, and so did Max Verstappen and George Russell. Piastri would have expected Max Verstappen to come at the first corner, but the Dutch driver gave some time, overtook Piastri on the inside of turn 2 and took the lead of the race.
McLaren vs Mercedes Battle
Lando Norris, who started behind George Russell, started to attack his fellow british driver. The battle went for another three laps, and Russell defended well against Norris but lost some tyres. The McLaren car was well set for these kinds of old-school tracks, and he was too good for Russell. Finally, Lando Norris overtook Russell and entered the podium place.
Leclerc, the flying Ferrari
Charles Leclerc decided to pit early as he had a great start to the race and gained two positions at the front. The Monegasque driver was on song against Isack Hadjar and Antonelli. He undercut George Russell and Fernando Alonso, who had a slower pit stop due to a high amount of heat on the brakes.
Red Bull’s Tsunoda bet
The Austrian team wanted their second driver, Yuki Tsunoda, to hold Oscar Piastri behind as Max Verstappen wanted to pit late. But Tsunoda had no chance against the McLaren driver and gave up his place easily. Verstappen and Lando Norris managed their tyres well and went for a long run and a single pit stop.
The Perfect Pitstop
On lap 31, came the golden opportunity for the drivers who were leading the race without pit stops. Esteban Ocon had an issue in his car and was out of the race, bringing the VSC. With more than 30 30-second lead against Piastri, Verstappen pitted and came out as the leader. So do Kimi, Lewis, Albon, and Hadjar, who all pitted without losing any places.
Antonelli out, Safety car in
The heartbreak for the Italian fans came with the retirement of Kimi Antonelli, as the home hero had engine issues. It also brought the safety car onto the track, extending the race for a further ten laps. Max Verstappen and Lando Norris pitted again. Lewis Hamilton also pitted for fresh tyres.
Restart
During the restart, Verstappen flew away like a bird against the McLaren drivers. The Red Bull driver wanted to win their 400th race in Formula 1, and the circumstances were all in favour of him. Lately, Williams driver Alex Albon also closed in on Charles Leclerc, whose tyres are already dead. Leclerc didnt give Albon any room and pushed him off the track. But again, he had to give his place back to Albon.
Max Verstappen wins at Imola
With all the drama and safety car, Max Verstappen has won the Emilia Romagna Grand prix, keeping behind the two McLaren drivers. Ferrari's strategy of pitting at the right time paid off as Lewis finished in P4. The Tifosi will be very happy with the results of their home team at the Imola GP.
The biggest highlight of the race was the VSC, which gave a chance to Ferrari and Verstappen to change their tyres for free and emerge at the front. Aston Martin, Mercedes and Alpine lost places due to the unexpected VSC.
Overtake battles: The opening lap was a stunner as Max Verstappen dived into the outside of turn 2 and emerged as the race leader. George Russell also battled with Lando Norris for the podium place, but in the end lost his place.
Alex Albon had a great chance of overtaking Leclerc for P4, but leclerc pushed him into the gravel, and the Williams driver lost his place to Hamilton. Then the seven-time world champion overtook the Monegasque driver and finished in P4.
Pit stop strategy: Teams thought of following a two-stop pit stop strategy, but the VSC allowed them to go for multiple pit stops.
Crashes, Penalties or retirements: Esteban Ocon and Kimi Raikkonnen retired from the race due to engine issues.
Weather impact: Conditions are ideal for racing, which is not too hot/ cold.
Best Photos / Video Highlights
The moment where Max Verstappen overtook Piastri at the start
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