In an electrifying race at the Emilia Romagna GP, Max Verstappen clinched victory, narrowly beating Lando Norris by just 0.725 seconds.
Max Verstappen took home the win at the Imola Grand Prix, marking the seventh round of the 2024 Formula 1 World Championship. The Dutch driver, representing Red Bull Racing, managed to keep McLaren’s Lando Norris at bay, who finished a close second. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc rounded out the podium.
Verstappen led from the start, with Norris and Leclerc following closely behind. McLaren’s Oscar Piastri faced an early setback with a three-place grid penalty but managed to secure the fourth spot by the end of the race. Carlos Sainz of Ferrari and Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton finished fifth and sixth, respectively.
Pit stops played a pivotal role in the race dynamics. George Russell of Mercedes was the first among the leading pack to stop, followed by Norris on lap 23. This strategic move placed Norris momentarily behind Sergio Perez, who struggled initially but recovered to finish eighth.
Verstappen made his pit stop on lap 25, allowing the Ferraris to temporarily lead. However, the Red Bull driver rejoined the race comfortably ahead of Norris. The latter achieved the fastest lap once he was free from traffic but couldn’t maintain the pace to overtake Verstappen.
Norris tried to close the gap in the final laps, but Verstappen managed his lead expertly, even with worn tires and battery concerns. Despite the pressure, Verstappen crossed the finish line ahead, securing his fifth win of the 2024 season.
Hamilton experienced a minor off-track excursion but held on to sixth place, while his teammate Russell claimed seventh, setting the fastest lap late in the race.
Max Verstappen showcased exceptional skill and strategy to win a tightly contested Emilia Romagna GP, further cementing his status as a top contender in the 2024 Formula 1 season.
