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Hamilton Delivers Dazzling Recovery as Verstappen Outpaces McLaren at Action-Packed Imola GP

Lewis Hamilton pulled off a remarkable late-race charge at the Imola Grand Prix, turning around a challenging weekend to secure an impressive fourth-place finish. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen once again proved unstoppable, overpowering the McLarens to claim a commanding victory.

It was a tough start for both Hamilton and Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc, with neither driver advancing to Q3 in qualifying. But come race day, Hamilton reignited his form. The seven-time world champion surged through the pack in the closing stages, overtaking Alex Albon and Leclerc to notch his strongest result of the season. Hamilton dedicated the drive to the passionate tifosi who lined the historic Imola circuit.

At the front, Verstappen wasted no time asserting control. The Red Bull ace snatched the lead from Oscar Piastri at the opening corner with a daring move into Tamburello and maintained his grip on the race from there.

McLaren’s strategy to undercut Verstappen during the pit cycle was hampered by a sluggish stop for Piastri. Things worsened for them when a virtual safety car caused by Esteban Ocon’s stranded Haas played into Verstappen’s hands, allowing him to pit and emerge with an increased lead.

However, that advantage evaporated when Kimi Antonelli’s Mercedes came to a halt on Lap 46, triggering a full safety car and bunching the field for a 10-lap sprint to the finish.

Undeterred, Verstappen handled the restart with clinical precision, quickly rebuilding a gap while Norris and Piastri squabbled behind. He crossed the line over six seconds clear to extend his winning run and championship lead.

Elsewhere, chaos unfolded when Fernando Alonso’s brakes overheated during a pit stop, causing his front-left tyre to catch fire. Remarkably, the Aston Martin driver continued and narrowly missed out on points.

Top 10 – Imola Grand Prix 2025

1. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – 1:31:33.199

2. Lando Norris (McLaren) – +6.109

3. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – +12.956

4. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) – +14.356

5. Alex Albon (Williams) – +17.945

6. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – +20.774

7. George Russell (Mercedes) – +22.034

8. Carlos Sainz (Williams) – +22.898

9. Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls) – +23.586

10. Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull) – +26.446

No More Fastest Lap Points in 2025

A significant rule change for this season has seen the removal of the fastest lap bonus point, which had been in effect since 2019. The decision follows growing concern over late-race strategy manipulation, highlighted by Daniel Ricciardo’s final F1 appearance in 2024, when he claimed the fastest lap despite finishing last — a move that aided Verstappen’s title bid.

With the title race intensifying and the sport adapting, the 2025 Imola Grand Prix proved to be another unforgettable chapter — and a sign that Hamilton still has the pace and determination to fight at the front.