Verstappen Wins Imola, Ends Piastri's Three-Race Streak

Max Verstappen secured a dominant victory at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Imola, ending Oscar Piastri's streak of three consecutive wins and reducing the Australian's championship lead. Verstappen executed a bold and clean overtaking move at Turn 1 to take the lead from pole-sitter Piastri and maintained control throughout the race, benefiting from strategic pit stops during a virtual safety car period. Lando Norris finished second after a tense battle with Piastri, who settled for third, holding on to the drivers' championship lead despite the reduced margin. Lewis Hamilton impressed by climbing from 12th to fourth in his debut race for Ferrari in Italy, while Charles Leclerc finished sixth after a challenging qualifying. The race saw two retirements and was influenced by safety car interventions that affected pit strategies, emphasizing the importance of tire management and timely decisions. McLaren continues to lead the constructors' championship, but Red Bull and Verstappen are closing the gap as the season progresses.