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.
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
Strong international field joins Fleetwood and McIlroy at Dubai Invitational
- Former Masters champions Danny Willett and Patrick Reed will make their tournament debuts at Dubai Creek Club from Jan. 15-18
D
UBAI: With just a week to go until the Dubai Invitational, defending champion Tommy Fleetwood and five-time Major champion Rory McIlroy are set to be joined by a world-class field of Major Champions, Ryder Cup stars and DP World Tour winners.
Former Masters champions Danny Willett and Patrick Reed will both make their tournament debuts when the opening event of the Race to Dubai’s International Swing tees off at Dubai Creek Resort. The event runs from Jan. 15-18.
Reed claimed his Major breakthrough at the 2018 Masters Tournament at Augusta National, while Willett secured his Green Jacket two years earlier in 2016.
Three-time Major champion Padraig Harrington adds further pedigree to the field. The Irishman won consecutive Open Championships in 2007 and 2008 before claiming the 2008 PGA Championship.
Dubai resident Paul Waring will make just his second start since July following his return from injury. The Englishman, who won the 2024 Abu Dhabi Championship, will be eager to impress on home soil as he continues his comeback.
2023 DP World Tour Championship winner Nicolai Hojgaard is also confirmed, along with a plethora of DP World Tour winners including Matteo Manassero, Tom McKibbin, David Puig, Dubai-based Thorbjorn Olesen, Matt Wallace, Eugenio Chacarra, Niklas Norgaard and the UAE’s own Adrian Otaegui.
They join previously announced stars including former Open Champions Shane Lowry and Francesco Molinari, as well as Ryan Fox and Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen.
Away from the on-course action, the tournament will feature a range of food and entertainment options in the Championship Village, while the Chipping Challenge offers visitors the chance to show off their precision and technique.
The Dubai Invitational is played concurrently with a three-day Pro-Am team event, with Sunday featuring professionals only. The bi-annual event consists of 60 professional DP World Tour golfers and 60 amateur golfers. General admission is free of charge.
