Max Verstappen finally returned to the top step of the podium at the 2025 Italian Grand Prix, ending a nine-race win drought in emphatic style at Monza. The Dutchman secured his first victory since May’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, while McLaren’s late pit-stop drama allowed Lando Norris to trim Oscar Piastri’s world championship lead to 31 points.
Verstappen Back on Top
Max Verstappen lined up alongside polesitter Lando Norris and wasted no time engaging in a thrilling opening-lap duel. Norris initially held the advantage after Max Verstappen cut the first chicane, but by the start of lap four, the Red Bull driver regained the lead. From there, Verstappen controlled the race with authority, showcasing a pace that McLaren had largely dominated throughout the season. This win marked his third of the 2025 campaign and a much-needed boost after a frustrating summer stretch.
McLaren Pit-Stop Controversy
While Max Verstappen cruised to victory, drama unfolded in the McLaren garage. Norris had looked set for a straightforward second place, a result that would help him reduce Piastri’s title advantage. However, a sluggish pit stop saw Norris briefly fall behind his teammate, who had benefitted from a quicker service a lap earlier.
In the closing stages, McLaren intervened. The team asked Piastri to give back the position to Norris, restoring the original order. Although reluctant, Piastri complied, handing second place to Norris while settling for third. The call allowed Norris to close the championship gap to 31 points, with eight Grands Prix and three Sprints remaining in the season.
Strong Efforts Behind the Leaders
Charles Leclerc gave Ferrari fans early hope with a spirited fight in the opening laps, but ultimately faded to fourth place. George Russell secured fifth for Mercedes, while teammate Lewis Hamilton recovered from a grid penalty to finish sixth.
Further back, Alex Albon delivered a strong drive to seventh for Williams. Sauber’s Gabriel Bortoleto impressed with eighth place, promoted after Kimi Antonelli received a five-second penalty that dropped him to ninth. Isack Hadjar, starting from the pit lane, claimed the final point in tenth, adding to his growing reputation just a week after his maiden podium in Zandvoort.
Final Classification: Italian GP Top 10
- Max Verstappen – Red Bull
- Lando Norris – McLaren
- Oscar Piastri – McLaren
- Charles Leclerc – Ferrari
- George Russell – Mercedes
- Lewis Hamilton – Ferrari
- Alex Albon – Williams
- Gabriel Bortoleto – Sauber
- Kimi Antonelli – Mercedes
- Isack Hadjar – Racing Bulls
READ MORE: Why Do So Few F1 Italian GP Winners Start from Pole at Monza? – Sportskila
Looking Ahead
With Max Verstappen back in winning form and McLaren facing internal pressure between Norris and Piastri, the championship battle is set to intensify. The season heads into its final stretch with everything still to play for, as Norris hunts down his teammate and Verstappen eyes a late surge.
