F1 Imola Grand Prix 2025 results: Final classification with penalties

F1 Imola Grand Prix 2025 results: Final classification with penalties appl….read more

The 2025 Formula 1 season continued with its seventh round at the legendary Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, better known as Imola, where the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix delivered an exciting and strategic race. The FIA has now released the official final classification, confirming the results after all penalties were applied. It was Max Verstappen who emerged as the race winner, putting in a calculated and aggressive drive to beat both McLaren drivers in what turned out to be a tactically complex contest.

Verstappen, driving for Red Bull Racing, made a decisive move right at the beginning of the race. On the opening lap, he executed a bold overtake on championship leader Oscar Piastri, sweeping around the outside of the McLaren driver at Turn 2. This move proved critical, not only giving him track position but also the advantage he needed to control the pace of the race from the front. From there, Verstappen maintained a solid rhythm and capitalized on a perfectly timed Virtual Safety Car period, which allowed him to manage his tyre strategy efficiently and retain the lead under minimal pressure.

While the McLarens started strong, with both Piastri and Lando Norris positioned well in the early stages, they ultimately had to settle for the remaining podium places. Norris finished in second place, narrowly ahead of his teammate Piastri, who rounded out the podium in third. McLaren had hoped to convert their qualifying speed into a victory, but Verstappen’s early aggression and tactical nous proved too much on the day.

Elsewhere in the field, Lewis Hamilton delivered one of the standout performances of the race. The Mercedes driver mounted an impressive comeback after a less-than-ideal qualifying session, gaining several positions during the race through smart tyre management and a series of bold overtakes. His resurgence served as a reminder of his racecraft and experience, even as Mercedes continues to work on unlocking more pace from their 2025 car.

With the final classification now confirmed by the FIA, it’s clear that Verstappen’s early move and strategic awareness played a decisive role in his victory. The result also adds an intriguing twist to the championship battle, with Piastri still holding the lead in the standings but now under increased pressure from Verstappen and Norris. As the 2025 season progresses, the fight for the title is shaping up to be a tight and thrilling contest, with multiple teams and drivers still very much in the hunt.