Verstappen Triumphs in Emilia-Romagna Thriller, Norris and Piastri Complete Podium

FIA post-race press conference – Emilia-Romagna

Results:

1. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
2. Lando Norris (McLaren)
3. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)

TRACK INTERVIEWS

(Conducted by David Coulthard)

Oscar PIASTRI: "Disappointing Sunday after a good Saturday. Braked too early at Turn 1, Max made a good move. Made some wrong calls afterwards. Not our best Sunday. VSC and Safety Car timing wasn't ideal for him as he'd used his hard tyres. Tried to hold second but didn't have the grip. Third is still a podium."

Lando NORRIS: "Long race from P4, difficult to overtake. Max drove a good race, Red Bull was quicker. Good battle with Oscar at the end, always tense but fun. Second and third for the team is great, though would love to fight Max. On the overtake on Russell: George was struggling, took advantage of it, risky but he's a fair racer. Says he doesn't know why the car was quick, didn't feel great anywhere."

Max VERSTAPPEN: "Start wasn't great, but the move around the outside at Turn 1 worked really well. Car felt good in the lead, could manage tyres. Pace was very good, massive improvement from Friday. VSC was handy for the pit stop. Even on Hards, pace was strong. Managed the Safety Car restart well. Proud of the team, good execution. 400th GP for the team, 65th victory for him. Enjoys driving, looking forward to Monaco. Loves racing in Italy, thanks the fans."

PRESS CONFERENCE

Max VERSTAPPEN: "Initial start not amazing, but Turn 2 move worked. Not sure how quick they'd be after Miami. Car felt nicer, more controlled, helped manage tyres. Surprising but happy with performance, hopes to show it more often. Turn 1 move: carried more speed, gained momentum. It was bumpy, back was hurting. Medium tyres were destroyed by Lap 29, wouldn't have lasted much longer. One-stop was possible. Thinks performance is track specific (high-speed corners). Monaco is different, last year was hard, doesn't expect it to be easier. Barcelona is next, high-speed and tyre deg will be crucial. Happy with this weekend."

On Imola success and losing tracks: "Loves driving here, car worked well the last few years. Didn't expect to win this weekend but found a better setup. Losing historic tracks is a shame from a driving enjoyment perspective, they evoke emotion and history. Understands F1 needs to grow financially."

On Turn 1 move again: "Was P3 before braking, braked late, carried speed, felt like a move was possible, luckily it stuck. Not easy."

Lando NORRIS: "P2 was probably the best result expected. Happy with second, but Max was too fast. Car didn't feel great anywhere, very bumpy track. High-speed corners is where they struggle compared to Red Bull. Need to work on that area. Red Bull's pace converted to Sunday this time. Hasn't thought about Monaco yet. No team orders discussion before the restart. Move on Oscar: Had fresher tyres, slight advantage. DRS helped. Clear Oscar was struggling with tyres. Close battle. Not sure if they touched."

Oscar PIASTRI: "Slight disappointment starting P1 and finishing P3. Turn 1 not ideal, stop timing wasn't great due to race panning out differently. VSC/SC timing was tough. Hanging on to podium is not bad given others had fresher tyres. Tough day, need to learn lessons. Max surprised him at Turn 1. Braked too early. Pitting on Lap 13 wasn't a clear two-stop, maybe reacted too quickly, need to review. Enjoys Monaco, good weekend last year, hopes to improve. Confident they'll be quick there."