The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix was a significant moment in the Formula 1 championship race as Max Verstappen looked to stamp some authority down over Oscar Piastri.
The two were separated by just 0.034 seconds in qualifying at Imola, with Piastri in particular lining his car up on the grid aggressively before the race start to straighten his launch.
Verstappen trails the Aussie by 32 points in the drivers’ championship, and has only taken one victory so far this year.
McLaren’s car development has been far superior to Red Bull, with the Milton Keynes-based outfit left to hope that upgrades can save their season.
Verstappen has explained Red Bull’s ‘biggest problem’ and believes that their latest developments have hurt their tyre management.
Piastri said Verstappen knows how they will race in 2025, and the first instalment of a real battle has just been witnessed at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.
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F1 fans think Max Verstappen is in a ‘class of his own’ after impressive Imola overtake on Oscar Piastri
Knowing that being on the front row against a title rival is something that must be capitalised on, Verstappen managed to create something out of nothing from the start in Imola.
Sensationally, he managed to turn what looked like third into first with a late-braking manoeuvre around the outside of Piastri.
Formula 1 fans took to social media (X, formerly known as Twitter) immediately to share their opinions of the move, which was very impressive.
“Class of his own,” wrote one fan, who was in awe of his move.
That was agreed with by two others that said, “Insane overtake,” and “Verstappen gave a masterclass at the start of F1.”
“Amazing start from Verstappen,” confirmed another fan, while someone else credited the Dutchman’s experience, “Fair play there. Totally caught Oscar asleep at the wheel. That’s what a wily old campaigner looks like.”
And finally, one last fan was surprised by Piastri’s approach into turn one, writing, “Piastri defending against Russell and forgetting Verstappen exists.”
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How Max Verstappen took advantage of a rare McLaren opening in Imola
Verstappen is aware that opportunities are going to be few and far between in 2025, with his rivals holding a performance advantage.
His move on Piastri shows exactly what his mindset is. To lunge at every 50/50 opportunity which is presented to him.
Verstappen got ‘frustrated’ in Imola and had to bide his time to find a good setup earlier in the weekend, before bursting into life on Saturday.
Aided by a well-timed safety car and poor strategy choice from McLaren, he will be aware that not every weekend will come so easily.
However, he’s just managed to peg back a bit of the momentum that he so desperately needed ahead of his arrival in Italy.
