Max Verstappen claimed a commanding victory at the Italian Grand Prix, turning pole position into his latest triumph after overcoming early pressure from McLaren. The Dutchman’s pace and composure once again proved decisive, as he resisted the fast-starting Lando Norris and controlled proceedings from the front.

The drama began immediately as Verstappen and Norris went wheel-to-wheel down the main straight. Verstappen skipped the first chicane to maintain the lead but quickly handed the place back to Norris on lap two to avoid a penalty. Within a couple of laps, Verstappen pounced again, reclaiming first position and never looking back.

Behind him, McLaren’s day was shaped by pit stop drama. A slow service for Norris allowed Oscar Piastri through into second, triggering tense team discussions. Ultimately, McLaren instructed Piastri to cede position, restoring Norris to P2. Piastri obeyed, ensuring a double podium for the Woking outfit, though the championship leader’s margin shrank slightly to 31 points.

Ferrari’s Missed Opportunity

Hopes of a home podium for Ferrari were dashed as Charles Leclerc finished fourth, a few seconds adrift of the McLarens. Despite strong support from the Tifosi, the Scuderia once again fell short at Monza.

George Russell delivered a consistent performance for fifth, while Lewis Hamilton fought back from a grid penalty to finish sixth, giving Mercedes a double points finish.

Midfield Battles

Alex Albon starred with a brilliant recovery to seventh, scoring valuable points for Williams. Gabriel Bortoleto impressed for Kick Sauber in eighth, while rookie Kimi Antonelli secured ninth despite a five-second penalty. Red Bull junior Isack Hadjar completed the top ten after storming through from a pit lane start.

Carlos Sainz (Williams) and Ollie Bearman (Haas) clashed in the closing stages but still finished just outside the points. Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson followed, leaving Red Bull’s second car and Racing Bulls disappointed. Esteban Ocon picked up a penalty for forcing Lance Stroll wide, ending up 15th, while teammate Pierre Gasly could only manage 16th.

Aston Martin briefly ran in the points but saw their race unravel. Stroll faded in the closing laps, while Fernando Alonso retired with a suspected suspension failure. Nico Hülkenberg’s race ended before it began, as a hydraulic issue prevented his Sauber from making the grid.

2025 Italian Grand Prix: Race Results

1. Max Verstappen – Red Bull

2. Lando Norris – McLaren

3. Oscar Piastri – McLaren

4. Charles Leclerc – Ferrari

5. George Russell – Mercedes

6. Lewis Hamilton – Mercedes

7. Alex Albon – Williams

8. Gabriel Bortoleto – Kick Sauber

9. Kimi Antonelli – Mercedes (+5s penalty served)

10. Isack Hadjar – Red Bull

11. Carlos Sainz – Williams

12. Ollie Bearman – Haas

13. Yuki Tsunoda – Red Bull

14. Liam Lawson – Racing Bulls

15. Esteban Ocon – Alpine (penalised for forcing Stroll wide)

16. Pierre Gasly – Alpine

18. Franco Colapinto – Williams

19. Lance Stroll – Aston Martin
— DNF: Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin, suspension)
— DNS: Nico Hülkenberg (Kick Sauber, hydraulics)