25 C
Manchester
Thursday, July 10, 2025
Other SportsFormula 1: Max Verstappen fends off late Lando Norris challenge to win...

Formula 1: Max Verstappen fends off late Lando Norris challenge to win Imola GP

Max Verstappen fended off a late surge from Lando Norris to win the Imola Grand Prix.

The Dutchman returned to winning ways having been upset by the Brit last time out in Miami, but he had enough in his Red Bull to get his fifth win in 2024.

Read our other sports stories: 
Usyk dedicates Fury victory to late father
Inter v Lazio: Betting preview, odds and offers
Metz v Paris Saint-Germain: Betting preview, odds and offers

It looked like it was going to be a comfortable afternoon for Verstappen, who got away well and carved out a healthy gap to the rest of the pack.

McLaren’s Norris and Oscar Piastri were on the hunt for the world champion alongside Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, but there was no progress being made until the second half of the race.

With Norris and Verstappen switching onto the hard tyres, the McLaren driver had a clear advantage and closed the gap from seven seconds to less than two with five laps to go.

By the time both drivers crossed the line to start their final lap, Norris was within a second of his rival and looked poise to strike.

But with Imola being a hard track to overtake, Verstappen was able to use his experience and car to keep himself at arm’s length of the 24-year-old.

In the end, Norris had to settle for second, with Leclerc completing the podium in Italy.

Piastri and Sainz made up the top five, while Mercedes duo Lewis Hamilton and George Russell both finished ahead of Sergio Perez, in what was a poor weekend for him.

Elsewhere, Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll beat team-mate Fernando Alonso, finishing ninth, and RB driver Yuki Tsunoda picked up the final point in 10th.

Alex Albon was the only driver not to finish the race after picking up damage and having to retire.

Formula 1 heads to Monaco next for one of the most popular and iconic races of the season.

Mitch Fretton
Mitch Fretton
Mitch is a freelance sports journalist with experience working for LiveScore, GOAL and Colchester United. He has experience working from both his desk at home and in the press box at games covering the Champions League and international football.
Latest

Your Help Hub Extends Handyman Services Nationwide Amid Surging UK Demand

Your Help Hub, a fast-growing name in home maintenance and improvement, has launched its handyman services nationwide to better serve the needs of customers...

Reliable auto locksmith services in Manchester: Everything you need to know

Car keys are essential to our daily lives, yet they are more vulnerable than we might think. In the lively city of Manchester, where...

Hillbrush Debuts Tornado Broom Range for Tough Outdoor Cleaning Environments

Hillbrush has launched its innovative Hillbrush Tornado Range — a robust, modular broom system designed to raise the bar for strength, reliability, and outdoor...

Blaugranagram Partners with 101 Great Goals to Deliver Deeper Fan-Focused Football Content

101 Great Goals has officially entered into a strategic content partnership with Blaugranagram, aiming to enrich the football experience for fans by combining their...
Subscribe to our newsletter
Business Manchester will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing.
Don't miss

Hillbrush Debuts Tornado Broom Range for Tough Outdoor Cleaning Environments

Hillbrush has launched its innovative Hillbrush Tornado Range — a robust, modular broom system designed to raise the bar for strength, reliability, and outdoor...

Your Help Hub Extends Handyman Services Nationwide Amid Surging UK Demand

Your Help Hub, a fast-growing name in home maintenance and improvement, has launched its handyman services nationwide to better serve the needs of customers...

Reliable auto locksmith services in Manchester: Everything you need to know

Car keys are essential to our daily lives, yet they are more vulnerable than we might think. In the lively city of Manchester, where...

More News

F1 Australian Grand Prix 2025: Report, result, highlights as Norris savours ‘stressful’ win

Lando Norris praised McLaren's "amazing car" after overcoming unpredictable conditions to beat reigning champion Max Verstappen and win the F1 Australian Grand Prix 2025...

India vs Australia: Preview, expected lineups, how to watch on TV and prediction for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

India vs Australia: The State of Play India will be targeting a third consecutive appearance in the final when they face Australia in the first...

New Zealand vs India: Preview, expected lineups, how to watch on TV and prediction for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

New Zealand vs India: The State of Play Two teams in excellent form meet on Sunday when New Zealand and India collide in their final...