Max Verstappen delivered a masterclass at the Italian Grand Prix on Sunday, claiming his third victory of the season with a dominant performance at Monza. The Red Bull driver crossed the line 19 seconds ahead of McLaren’s Lando Norris.
Starting from pole, the reigning world champion briefly lost position to Norris in the opening laps but quickly regained the lead on Lap 4. From there, Verstappen controlled the race, unaffected by McLaren’s late pit strategy gamble.
McLaren’s day was overshadowed by controversy after a slow pit stop for Norris allowed teammate Oscar Piastri to rejoin ahead of him in the closing stages, despite team policy prioritising the lead car. Norris, who ultimately reclaimed second place, voiced his frustration. “I felt like I was there quite a long time. Every now and then we make mistakes as a team and today was one of them,” he said.
Reflecting on his early battle with Verstappen, Norris added: “I always know it’s going to be a good fight with Max, and it was at the start. So enjoyable, but just not the speed today of Max and the Red Bull.”
Verstappen praised his team’s flawless execution: “It’s super enjoyable to win here. Lap 1 was a bit unlucky, but after that we were flying. I could manage the pace well throughout the first stint and we pitted at the right time. Fantastic execution by everyone.”
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc finished fourth in front of the home fans, followed by Mercedes’ George Russell in fifth. Lewis Hamilton, making his first Italian Grand Prix appearance for Ferrari, recovered from a 10th-place grid start and a five-place penalty to finish sixth.
Williams’ Alex Albon took seventh, with Sauber’s Gabriel Bortoleto in eighth, Mercedes rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli in ninth, and Racing Bull’s Isack Hadjar completing the points in 10th.
The result strengthens Verstappen’s grip on the championship, with Red Bull reasserting dominance despite McLaren’s sustained challenge.
