IMOLA, Italy: Max Verstappen kept his cool to claim a chaotic rain-hit Emilia Romagna Grand Prix on Sunday as seven-time Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton recovered from a rare mistake to sneak in second.
Red Bull driver Verstappen muscled past pole sitter Hamilton on the first corner at Imola to set up his impressive first win of the season.
“I surprised myself. We worked really hard to make that better. In these tricky conditions we did a great job,” Verstappen said.
Lando Norris in a McLaren took third for the Briton’s second successive podium ahead of Charles Leclerc for Ferrari.
The outcome of a compelling second leg of the Formula One season confirmed Verstappen’s stature as a formidable obstacle to Hamilton’s quest for an unprecedented eighth drivers’ crown.
After winning the season-opener in Bahrain and putting in the fastest lap on Sunday Hamilton leads Verstappen by one point ahead of the Portuguese Grand Prix next time out.
A high-speed crash involving Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas and George Russell in a Williams forced the race to be suspended as debris was cleared off the Imola circuit.
The pair collided at over 300kmh on lap 34, both drivers shaken as their wrecked cars were lifted off the track.
The red flags appeared a lap after an uncharacteristic slip-up from Hamilton saw the Mercedes world champion hurtle off the circuit into a gravel pit when placed second on a tracherous rain-hit track.
Half an hour after the suspension, a rolling re-start saw Verstappen set off in front of Leclerc and Norris. Hamilton, his car repaired, had work to do from ninth.
As Verstappen calmly reeled in his 11th career victory, but first in Italy, Hamilton weaved his way up to sit third, and then second after passing Norris with three laps remaining.
“First time I’ve made a mistake in a long time, but I’m grateful I could bring he car home,” said a relieved Hamilton.
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Verstappen wins Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, Hamilton second
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Verstappen wins Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, Hamilton second
- Red Bull driver Verstappen muscled past pole sitter Hamilton on the first corner
- Lando Norris in a McLaren took third ahead of Charles Leclerc for Ferrari
Morocco says AFCON final incidents will not affect close African ties
The final had been marred by “regrettable incidents” and “deplorable behavior,” the king said
“Once the passion and emotions have subsided, inter-African fraternity will naturally prevail”
RABAT: Morocco’s King Mohammed VI said on Thursday that African fraternity would prevail after what he described as “deplorable” acts that marred the closing minutes of the Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal.
Senegal’s players walked off the pitch in protest at a VAR-awarded penalty before returning to beat hosts Morocco 1-0 after extra time on Sunday.
Groups of Senegalese fans clashed with Moroccan security as they tried to enter the pitch following the penalty decision.
Senegal has long been one of Morocco’s closest allies in Africa, where Moroccan firms and banks have expanded investments in recent years, strengthening the kingdom’s diplomatic influence.
Hours after the final, social media in both countries were under the spell of tension.
The final had been marred by “regrettable incidents” and “deplorable behavior,” the king said in a palace statement.
“Once the passion and emotions have subsided, inter-African fraternity will naturally prevail,” he said.
“Nothing can undermine the close ties forged over the centuries between our African peoples, nor the fruitful cooperation built with countries across the continent and strengthened by increasingly ambitious partnerships,” he added.
The tournament had also showcased Morocco’s development and represented “a success for all of Africa,” he said.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) said it would take “appropriate action” after reviewing the match incidents, while FIFA President Gianni Infantino condemned the behavior of Senegal’s players and members of the coaching staff.
“Once the passion and emotions have subsided, inter-African fraternity will naturally prevail”
RABAT: Morocco’s King Mohammed VI said on Thursday that African fraternity would prevail after what he described as “deplorable” acts that marred the closing minutes of the Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal.
Senegal’s players walked off the pitch in protest at a VAR-awarded penalty before returning to beat hosts Morocco 1-0 after extra time on Sunday.
Groups of Senegalese fans clashed with Moroccan security as they tried to enter the pitch following the penalty decision.
Senegal has long been one of Morocco’s closest allies in Africa, where Moroccan firms and banks have expanded investments in recent years, strengthening the kingdom’s diplomatic influence.
Hours after the final, social media in both countries were under the spell of tension.
The final had been marred by “regrettable incidents” and “deplorable behavior,” the king said in a palace statement.
“Once the passion and emotions have subsided, inter-African fraternity will naturally prevail,” he said.
“Nothing can undermine the close ties forged over the centuries between our African peoples, nor the fruitful cooperation built with countries across the continent and strengthened by increasingly ambitious partnerships,” he added.
The tournament had also showcased Morocco’s development and represented “a success for all of Africa,” he said.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) said it would take “appropriate action” after reviewing the match incidents, while FIFA President Gianni Infantino condemned the behavior of Senegal’s players and members of the coaching staff.
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