For the first time in his career, Max Verstappen ruled over the Italian Grand Prix! His commanding performance gave him his third win of the 2025 Formula 1 season. The win, which celebrated his 66th career F1 victory, solidified his status as a leading contender in the championship race. Verstappen did the impossible at the historic Monza circuit. He won the race from pole position after setting the fastest lap in Formula 1 history in qualifying.
Once out in front, for Verstappen it quickly became a race to hold off all of his competitors. The rookie showed dazzling speed and racecraft as he kept McLaren’s Lando Norris behind him, leading the Brit through the opening laps of the race. It was during the fourth lap that Verstappen reclaimed the lead with an assertive maneuver into turn one, overtaking Norris after initially losing the position.
Verstappen defied his team’s orders to return the lead position to Norris. Instead, he doubled down on this stance and went even further. His bold moves helped him to build a comfortable lead over the course of the entire race.
In an impressive exhibition, Verstappen won by almost 20 seconds – a large deficit – as Lando Norris continued his terrific season in second place. Verstappen was exuberant after his first victory since May. On top of that, he was the first driver to win from pole at Monza since 2019!
Verstappen was understandably exuberant when he crossed the line and celebrated by fist-pumping over the team radio, proclaiming “Well done, everyone.”
The win at Monza sealed a dream weekend for the four-time world champion. It brought him within 31 points of championship leader Oscar Piastri. Meanwhile, Lando Norris acknowledged the competitive nature of the race, saying, “I always know it is going to be a good fight with Max, and it was.”
Both Charles Leclerc of Ferrari and Lewis Hamilton had commendable races at their home track, contributing to an exciting atmosphere at Monza. Verstappen’s thrilling performance was the highlight. It established him as a legitimate threat going forward in the season.
