Turn 1 Magic: Verstappen Takes Imola

Max Verstappen returns to the top step of the podium for the second time this season! The Autodromo di Imola Enzo e Dino Ferrari offered exciting overtaking battles, a celebration for the Tifosi, and a debut home race for Kimi Antonelli–which didn’t end as he had hoped. 

On the first lap, at the first corner, Verstappen made an all-or-nothing, sensational overtake on the pole sitter, Oscar Piastri, giving him a strong lead until the end of the race. During the beginning of the race, Gasly and Leclerc had a close battle, leaving Gasly in the gravel and dropping back some spots. In the meantime, Norris chased Russell for third place, with a brilliant overtake–going into second place soon after Piastri had a slightly slow pit stop. 

Piastri battled through the midfield, overtaking Hamilton and Antonelli, until Ocon pulled over to the side of the road, retiring due to power unit issues. A Virtual Safety Car was implemented, causing chaos in the pit lane, with Russell almost driving into the back of Bearman’s Haas, while Ferrari had an unsafe release in front of the Haas. 

Further along the race, home hero Kimi Antonelli had an issue with the car, forcing him to retire and bringing out the Safety Car–ending his home race in a way no one wanted to see. 

Amidst the Safety Car, the drivers on the older tires were frustrated as they couldn't pit with only a few laps left. Verstappen and Norris pitted, allowing Piastri to get second position on his older tires. Lando Norris radioed to the team: “I see Oscar’s tires are pretty dead. If there is any chance of going for the lead, you know what to do. I’m not asking you to let me by–just saying let's not make it too hard for one another.” McLaren did not choose to implement team orders, yet Norris showed his speed and overtook Piastri after the restart. 

At the same time, Albon had a close battle with Leclerc for fourth place. However, when trying to make a move, Leclerc did not leave enough space, and Albon went into the gravel–giving Hamilton an opportunity to pass the Williams of Albon. The incident was investigated, and Leclerc was told to give the position back to Albon, awarding the Williams driver fifth place. 

With Verstappen climbing back to the top, Norris showing his speed, and Piastri remaining in the picture, we are headed for an exciting race next week in Monaco–where the mandatory two-stop strategy rule is set to debut on the tight and twisty streets of Monte Carlo.