Max Verstappen wins his 65th F1 race and 2nd this season

The 2025 Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix at Imola delivered a thrilling spectacle, with Max Verstappen showcasing his racing prowess to secure his second win of the season and the 65th of his Formula 1 career. The race was marked by strategic battles, team dynamics, and notable performances that have intensified the championship race.

---

Race Recap: Verstappen's Commanding Victory

Starting from the front row, Verstappen executed a bold overtaking maneuver on pole-sitter Oscar Piastri at the Tamburello chicane on the first lap. This decisive move allowed him to seize the lead early and maintain control throughout the race. Despite a late safety car that brought the field closer, Verstappen managed a flawless restart, keeping the McLaren duo at bay and clinching victory .

---

McLaren's Strategic Duel

McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri engaged in a strategic battle for the podium. Piastri, who started from pole, opted for an early pit stop, which led to him encountering traffic and ultimately finishing third. Norris, benefiting from fresher tires and a well-timed pit strategy, overtook his teammate to secure second place. Both drivers were allowed to race freely without team orders, highlighting McLaren's confidence in their drivers' abilities .

---

Ferrari's Home Race Highlights

Lewis Hamilton delivered a standout performance for Ferrari, climbing from 12th on the grid to finish fourth. His drive was characterized by sharp overtakes and effective tire management, marking his best finish with Ferrari to date. Teammate Charles Leclerc also showed resilience, finishing sixth after a challenging qualifying session. The passionate support from the home crowd at Imola provided an emotional boost for the Ferrari team .

---

Top 10 Finishers

1. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)

2. Lando Norris (McLaren)

3. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)

4. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)

5. George Russell (Mercedes)

6. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)

7. Carlos Sainz (Mercedes)

8. Sergio Pérez (Red Bull)

9. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)

10. Pierre Gasly (Alpine)

---

Championship Standings Update

The championship battle has intensified, with Oscar Piastri leading at 146 points, followed by Lando Norris with 133 points, and Max Verstappen closing in with 124 points. Lewis Hamilton's strong performance has elevated him to sixth place with 53 points .

---

Notable Moments

Verstappen's First-Lap Overtake: A daring move on Piastri at the Tamburello chicane set the tone for Verstappen's victory.

McLaren's Internal Battle: The decision to allow Norris and Piastri to race without team orders added an exciting dynamic to the race.

Ferrari's Resurgence: Hamilton's climb from 12th to fourth showcased Ferrari's potential and the impact of strategic decisions.