Max Verstappen delivered a commanding performance at the Italian Grand Prix on Sunday, securing his third victory of the season after finishing 19 seconds clear of McLaren’s Lando Norris at Monza.
The reigning world champion, who started from pole position, overcame early pressure from Norris and a brief exchange of positions before comfortably retaking the lead on Lap 4. Despite a late pit strategy gamble by McLaren, Verstappen’s Red Bull proved untouchable throughout the race.
McLaren’s race strategy became the focus of controversy after an awkward team orders situation involving Norris and teammate Oscar Piastri in the final 10 laps. Hoping to gain an advantage over Verstappen, McLaren extended its first stint to 45 laps and switched both drivers to soft tyres. However, a slower pit stop for Norris — caused by a left-front tyre delay — allowed Piastri to rejoin ahead of him, despite team policy favouring the lead car.
Norris expressed his frustration after finishing second, saying: “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.”
The McLaren driver also reflected on his battle with Verstappen at the start: “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, meanwhile, praised his team’s flawless execution, saying: “It’s super enjoyable to win here. It was a great day for us. Lap 1 was a bit unlucky but after that we were flying. The car was really enjoyable. I could manage the pace quite well throughout that first stint and we pitted at the right time. Fantastic execution by everyone by the whole team. The whole weekend, we were on it.”
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc finished fourth in front of the home fans, ahead of Mercedes’ George Russell in fifth. Lewis Hamilton, making his first Italian Grand Prix appearance for Ferrari, climbed from 10th on the grid to finish sixth following a five-place penalty for a yellow-flag infringement.
Williams’ Alex Albon secured seventh place, followed by Sauber’s Gabriel Bortoleto in eighth, Mercedes rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli in ninth, and Racing Bull’s Isack Hadjar rounding out the top ten.
Verstappen’s victory further tightens the championship battle, with Red Bull showing renewed dominance despite McLaren’s consistent pressure.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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