Max Verstappen defeats Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri with authority at the 2025 Italian GP

September 7, 2025, Italian Grand Prix F1 (Photo: F1)

On a sunny afternoon at the historic Monza circuit, Max Verstappen claimed his third win of the season by converting pole into an uncontested triumph at the Italian Grand Prix. The Red Bull driver led from the start and crossed the finish line ahead of McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. For the local fans it was disappointment: Charles Leclerc finished fourth with Ferrari, leaving the Tifosi without a podium. The race, the sixteenth of the calendar, keeps Verstappen in the championship fight and reduces Piastri’s advantage, which dropped from 34 to 31 points.

The race had drama from the start. Norris immediately put pressure on and the two cars touched on the straight, forcing the Dutchman to cut the first chicane. To avoid penalties, Verstappen temporarily gave up the lead on lap two, but he reclaimed it just a few laps later with a bold move around the outside at Turn 1. Behind them, Piastri and Leclerc engaged in an intense early battle. Strategy was also decisive: when Verstappen pitted on lap 37, McLaren extended their stint, but a slow stop for Norris allowed Piastri to come out ahead. However, the papaya team ordered a position swap similar to Hungary so Norris retook second place.

The stars of the day were clearly Verstappen and the McLarens. The reigning champion maintained relentless pace and managed his tires perfectly, as he himself noted: “After the first lap we were flying… the team execution was fantastic and it’s very nice to win here.” Norris showed courage at the start and accepted the team call, while Piastri, the current championship leader, demonstrated maturity by yielding the position despite his initial frustration. At Ferrari, Leclerc was their best finisher in fourth, followed by George Russell (Mercedes) and Lewis Hamilton, who recovered after a grid penalty.

The victory put Red Bull back on the top step and boosted their confidence ahead of the Asian swing. For Piastri, third place meant a reduced lead in the standings, while Norris is closing in dangerously. Ferrari will need to respond after missing the podium in front of their home crowd. Formula 1 now heads to Baku for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on September 19–21, where team strategies and tire management will again be decisive in a season that promises excitement until the very end.