Verstappen resists late Norris push to win Imola GP
Max Verstappen resisted a late surge from Lando Norris to secure his fifth win of the 2024 F1 season at Imola. Ferrari's high expectations were unmet as Red Bull's setup allowed Verstappen to narrowly hold off McLaren by just 0.7s at the chequered flag despite struggling with tyre degradation.
Red Bull's Max Verstappen held off a late charge from McLaren's Lando Norris to secure his fifth victory of the 2024 Formula 1 season at the Imola Grand Prix.
Ferrari's Charles Leclerc completed the podium, finishing third.
Red Bull's Setup Improvements
The Dutchman's path to victory was aided by Red Bull's setup improvements, which addressed the car balance issues faced during Friday's practice sessions.
The team's factory-based efforts, coupled with higher-than-expected tyre degradation, proved crucial in Verstappen's dominant performance.
Norris Mounts Late-Race Push
Norris, who briefly gained on Verstappen at the start before settling into second, mounted a thrilling late-race push.
The McLaren driver managed his hard tyres more effectively in the second stint, closing the gap to the leader.
However, Verstappen's defensive skills ensured he held on to win by a slim 0.7s margin.
"It hurts me to say, but one or two more laps and I think I would've had him," Norris said post-race.
"Tough, a shame. I fought hard right to the very last lap."
McLaren's other driver, Oscar Piastri, showcased his racecraft by undercutting Ferrari's Carlos Sainz during the pit stop phase.
Piastri, who had tailed Sainz closely throughout the first stint, secured an impressive fourth-place finish.
Leclerc's Momentum Halted by Mistake
Leclerc, initially dropping back from Norris, closed in on the McLaren and got within DRS range by lap 43.
However, an off at the Variante Alta chicane halted his momentum, leaving him to settle for third, 7.1s behind Norris.
Mixed Fortunes for Mercedes, Perez Recovers
Mercedes had a mixed day, with Lewis Hamilton finishing sixth despite a brief off-track moment at the Acque Minerali gravel trap.
His teammate George Russell took seventh and the fastest lap bonus point after a late second pit stop.
Red Bull's Sergio Perez recovered to eighth place from his 11th-place grid spot.
The Mexican employed a contra-strategy, running an extended first stint on hard tyres before switching to mediums for the second half of the race.
Imola GP Race Results:
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