In the thrilling 2024 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, Max Verstappen narrowly held off Lando Norris to secure his fifth win of the season.
In a gripping race at Imola, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen showcased his dominance, clinching victory at the 2024 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. Despite a fierce late-race challenge from McLaren’s Lando Norris, Verstappen managed to hold on and cross the finish line a mere 0.7 seconds ahead.
The excitement began right from the lights out. Norris had a momentary edge over pole-sitter Verstappen but couldn’t capitalize as he ran wide at the Tamburello chicane. The battle for the lead intensified early on, with Charles Leclerc of Ferrari initially following close behind.
As the race progressed, tyre management became crucial. Verstappen, whose car setup vastly improved since Friday’s practice woes, built a comfortable lead but saw it dwindle during the second stint. Norris, on fresh hard tyres, began closing in rapidly.
Norris reflected on his near-miss after the race, saying, ‘One or two more laps, and I think I would’ve had him. It was a tough break, fighting hard till the end.’
The pit strategies played a pivotal role. Verstappen pitted on lap 24, a couple of laps after Norris, while Leclerc stayed out until lap 25, trying to overcut. Carlos Sainz and Oscar Piastri had their battles, with Piastri’s undercut strategy paying off as he leapfrogged Sainz for fourth.
Verstappen’s final stint saw him maintain a lead despite Norris cutting it down significantly. Leclerc fell behind after a mistake at the Variante Alta chicane, finishing third, 7.1s adrift of the leaders.
Other notable performances included Lewis Hamilton, who despite a trip through the gravel, finished sixth. His teammate George Russell, after a second pit stop, set the fastest lap and secured seventh. Sergio Perez recovered from 11th to finish eighth.
The only retirement of the race was Alex Albon from Williams, who had to withdraw after a stop/go penalty for a loose wheel.
The race at Imola was a testament to strategic excellence and fierce determination. Verstappen’s triumph despite the late pressure from Norris added another memorable chapter to the 2024 F1 season.
