F1, Imola: Max Verstappen surprises McLarens, Lewis Hamilton fourth in comeback
Max Verstappen won the 2025 edition of the Grand Prix of Made in Italy and Emilia-Romagna, held Sunday afternoon at the “Enzo and Dino Ferrari” circuit in Imola. The four-time world champion beat the two McLarens of Lando Norris, second, and Oscar Piastri, third, at the end of a race controlled with authority, thus regaining success after 42 days of fasting.
In fourth position the first of the two Ferraris, that of Lewis Hamilton: thanks to a good management of the unforeseen events on the track (virtual safety car at mid-race and entry of the safety car in the final phase) and an effective strategy, the British driver was able to make forget the twelfth place in qualifying, finishing just over a second from the podium.
Fifth position for Alex Albon, in a Williams, ahead of Charles Leclerc’s other Ferrari, who from the initial 11th place was able to recover to sixth position at the checkered flag (waved by ski champion Federica Brignone, among others). Closing out the top 10 are George Russell (Mercedes), Carlos Sainz (Williams), Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls) and Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull).
One step away from the points zone Fernando Alonso, who, however, has to settle for 11th place: the Spaniard of the Aston Martin is still on zero points after no less than seven race weekends. Disappointment also for Kimi Antonelli, who failed to complete the race: the Mercedes driver, in his home grand prix, was one of two drivers to retire, along with Haas’ Esteban Ocon.
In the overall standings, Piastri remains the leader with 146 points, ahead of Norris with 133 and Verstappen at 124. The top Ferrarista is Leclerc, fifth with 61 points, just ahead of Hamilton who has 53 instead. Antonelli is seventh at 48. Among the Constructors, McLaren dominates with 279 points, compared to Mercedes’ 147, Red Bull’s 131 and Ferrari’s 114.
