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Max Verstappen held off a more than ferocious Lando Norris right to the end, once again confirming his dominant position with his fifth win of the season.
Lando Norris, the Young Prince
McLaren’s young prodigy put the Dutchman under pressure right up to the last lap, but it wasn’t enough as Max kept the McLaren more than a second behind him. It was on a last-ditch effort that the Briton was able to activate his DRS, coming back to within seven tenths of the Red Bull.
Lando Norris put in a remarkable performance, managing his tires and trajectories throughout the Grand Prix, confirming his presence in the pack and sparking speculation in the paddock as to his future.
The result remained unchanged, with Red Bull once again taking 25 points and widening the gap in the standings this season. However, McLaren are closing the gap, confirming Zak Brown’s excellent work in recent weeks. The team can definitely count on him for the future.
A Rather Calm GP
On a circuit that left absolutely no room for overtaking, the show was lacking this weekend in Italy, disappointing the Tifosi present at Imola. Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz were never able to threaten the leaders, but Leclerc did manage third place, giving Ferrari its first podium finish at Imola since 2006. The Monegasque is now second in the drivers’ championship.
Mercedes, meanwhile, once again confirmed its difficulties, leaving an opening for other teams, with Lewis Hamilton finishing sixth and George Russell seventh, albeit earning a point for the fastest lap in the race.
Sergio on the Wane, Alpine Lagging Behind
The Mexican left something to be desired once again, managing to finish in eighth place, allowing his Red Bull team to collect some important points. However, these results are not enough for Checo to guarantee its place for next season.
The French team’s pace remains more than disappointing, with the two drivers, once childhood friends, still unable to meet the expectations and objectives set at the start of the season. Esteban Ocon finished fourteenth, while Pierre Gasly was sixteenth.
