GP of Emilia-Romagna

The Grand Prix in Imola – LIVE from 3pm

Max Verstappen just ahead of Lando Norris.(Bild: AFP or licensors)

Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen won the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix on Sunday. The Red Bull driver celebrated a start-finish victory at the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola, but had to fend off an onrushing Lando Norris in the McLaren in the final race. 

In the end, the Dutchman had a 0.7-second lead over the Briton and was able to celebrate his fifth win of the season and 59th triumph in the premier class of motorsport. Charles Leclerc finished third in the Ferrari.

Lando Norris(Bild: AFP or licensors)

In a race that was unspectacular for a long time without any major highlights, Miami winner Norris put the industry leader under pressure shortly before the end. The McLaren driver continuously reduced the gap. However, Verstappen did not allow any more overtaking maneuvers.

Behind Leclerc, Oscar Piastri (McLaren) finished fourth ahead of the second Ferrari man Carlos Sainz. The two Mercedes drivers, Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, finished sixth and seventh respectively. Verstappen's team-mate Sergio Perez did not finish higher than eighth.

Here is the final result:

In the championship standings, Verstappen (161 points) extended his lead to 48 points. Leclerc (113) is now second ahead of Perez (107), while Norris (101) is fourth. The classic race in the Principality awaits next weekend with the Monaco Grand Prix.