Max Verstappen returned to the top step of the podium at Imola for the fourth consecutive year, extending his personal dominance at the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari and adding yet another record to his already staggering resume. But while Verstappen took the win, it’s McLaren who leaves Italy with the upper hand in the 2025 Formula 1 title race.
Even in defeat, the Woking-based squad proved once again that they are the most complete team this season, faster on average, sharper on strategy, and more composed under pressure.
Turn 1 Tells the Story
Oscar Piastri started from pole after a flawless Saturday, but Verstappen immediately snatched control with a better launch and committed move into Turn 1. That was the defining moment, and once Verstappen had clean air, he managed the pace, the tires, and the race flow with clinical precision.
This wasn’t domination. This was control. Verstappen didn’t build a huge gap, but he never allowed the McLarens to get close enough to challenge on merit. Every lap looked calculated. It was a masterclass in knowing just how much to push.
McLaren Let Them Race and It Paid Off
The most telling moment came after Kimi Antonelli’s late-race DNF triggered a Safety Car. At that point, McLaren had a choice: freeze positions between Piastri (on older tires) and Norris (on fresher rubber), or let them fight. They chose the latter.
Piastri was given the first few laps after the restart to attack Verstappen, but when his pace dropped off, Norris made his move: clean, confident, and without interference. It was a racing pass, not a political one.
That decision reflected maturity from the team and the drivers. Piastri had earned the opportunity with his qualifying. Norris earned the position with better pace on Sunday. No drama, no controversy, just mutual respect and results.
Norris Finds Form, Silences Doubts
Lando Norris was satisfied post-race, noting, “I’m very happy with my Sundays. It’s just that Max has been a bit better.” That honesty underscored what we’ve seen all season: Norris has finally cracked the Sunday formula. He’s gone from ‘qualifying star’ to ‘complete driver.’
He also addressed criticism that lingers around his career, saying, “If there is criticism, I don’t care. I know how good I am.” That’s a confidence that’s been earned, not assumed, and with McLaren giving him the tools, the results are following.
His overtake on Piastri was aggressive but fair, and his final stint was relentless. Though he didn’t quite catch Verstappen, the pressure was constant. This wasn’t a Miami fluke. This was a confirmation.
Verstappen: Still the Gold Standard
This win marked Verstappen’s fourth in a row at Imola, setting a new all-time record at the circuit. It was also his 72nd win with Red Bull, tying Michael Schumacher’s legendary total with Ferrari. Add to that:
- 97 podiums, tied with Alain Prost
- 3,560 laps led, third all-time, behind Hamilton (5,487) and Schumacher (5,111)
- 9 seasons with multiple race wins
And it’s clearer than ever: Verstappen is rewriting the sport’s statistical hierarchy. What makes this season remarkable is that he’s doing it in a car that isn’t the fastest. The 2025 Red Bull isn’t dominant, but Verstappen is.
At this point, he’s not just winning races. He’s winning in spite of limitations. He’s keeping Red Bull in the title conversation almost single-handedly.
McLaren Controls the Championship
Despite Verstappen’s win, McLaren remains in command of the championship:
- McLaren – 279 pts
- Mercedes – 147 pts
- Red Bull Racing – 131 pts
There’s no longer a question about whether they’re for real. They’re not hunting anyone, they’re being hunted. What separates them right now isn’t just raw pace. It’s consistency, calm decision-making, and two drivers delivering almost every weekend.
Red Bull has Max. McLaren has everything else.
Hamilton Finds Confidence at Ferrari
Lewis Hamilton finished P4, his best in red, and sounded quietly optimistic after the race: “First time since China I’ve felt connected to the car.” While not yet in podium contention, he looked sharper, more assured, and crucially, finished ahead of his predecessor Carlos Sainz for the first time this year.
He later noted, “I don’t necessarily feel a sense of satisfaction, but it’s progress.” That’s the most honest and constructive review we’ve heard from him in weeks, and a sign that Ferrari’s upgrades may finally be helping him adapt.
Charles Leclerc, however, continues to frustrate. Starting ahead of Hamilton, he faded again and ended up in P6. Fast on Saturdays, anonymous on Sundays, it’s a pattern Ferrari can’t afford if they want to reclaim relevance.
Albon’s Season of a Lifetime
Alex Albon’s P5 finish might be the most quietly impressive drive of the weekend. He outpaced Leclerc, both Mercedes, and both RBs, and he did it cleanly, with no attrition or luck required.
More impressively, he’s now just three points shy of his combined total from 2022–2024. Albon’s campaign has gone from feel-good to formidable. He’s driving like a top-tier racer, in a car that’s still very much a midfield package.
Williams may not be ready for podiums, but Albon is already there in terms of performance.
Russell: First Slip in a Strong Season
George Russell finished P7, marking the first time all season he’s placed outside the top five. Post-race, he admitted: “Very lucky to finish P7 today. We didn’t really deserve much more.”
That honesty reflects a growing awareness inside Mercedes: the development curve is flattening. The car isn’t falling behind, but it’s not moving forward either. In a grid this close, stagnation feels like regression.
Final Classification – Top 10
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
- Lando Norris (McLaren)
- Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
- Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)
- Alexander Albon (Williams)
- Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
- George Russell (Mercedes)
- Carlos Sainz (Williams)
- Isack Hadjar (RB)
- Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull)
Seven Races In: A Season Taking Shape
- McLaren has the best car and the most balanced lineup.
- Verstappen is still the best driver in the world.
- Ferrari is improving, slowly.
- Albon is outdriving his machinery.
- Mercedes is at risk of falling behind.
The 2025 season is no longer theoretical. The narratives are set. The gaps are forming. McLaren controls the constructors’ race. Verstappen is keeping the drivers’ fight alive.
Heading into Monaco, every lap, and every mistake, will matter more than ever.