Max Verstappen explains key factor behind stunning Imola overtake

Max Verstappen explained the key to his crucial Imola overtake on Oscar Piastri, stating that momentum and precise execution were vital.

Starting second, Verstappen initially dropped to third behind George Russell on the run to Turn 1. However, by opting for the outside line, he gained the momentum needed to sweep around the outside of pole-sitter Piastri into the lead.

This move proved decisive. Piastri, caught in Verstappen's dirty air and subsequently traffic, couldn't respond. Verstappen went on to win Red Bull's 400th Grand Prix, extending his championship lead.

Verstappen described the maneuver: "I was quite far back, and at the time before the braking, I was basically P3, but I was on the normal braking line. I had to come from far, and as soon as I braked late, came off the brakes, I felt: 'Okay, there might be a move on,' so I just carried the speed in. I started to carry a bit more speed to the apex, and then at one point, you have that momentum to swing going into Turn 3. I knew that I was ahead, but it all goes so fast, and you have to be really precise and try not to go too far off line. Luckily, it was sticking. It is not an easy move to make, but everything went well and the grip was there."