Four-time reigning champion Max Verstappen held off a strong McLaren challenge to claim his second Formula One victory of the season at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Italy on Saturday.
The Red Bull driver snapped Oscar Piastri’s three-race winning streak, relegating the Australian to third as his McLaren teammate, Lando Norris, crossed the line in second.
Polesitter Piastri had a strong start to initially retain the lead, while Verstappen struggled and nearly lost second place to Mercedes’ George Russell.
But as Piastri lost momentum, Verstappen overtook Russell and made a bold move on the opening lap to pass the McLaren driver at Turn 2.
The McLaren cars struggled to close the gap to Verstappen, who also benefitted from making his first pit stop during a virtual safety car period, allowing him to retain the lead.
Verstappen’s previous win came at the Japanese Grand Prix in April. Piastri has won four races this season, while Norris has one victory.
The glamorous Monaco Grand Prix, set for May 25, is next on the Formula One schedule.