Verstappen wins Imola thriller as Norris beats Piastri to second

Max Verstappen produced a faultless drive to claim victory in the chaotic Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, with Lando Norris beating McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri to second.

• Verstappen, starting from second, passed pole-sitter Piastri around the outside of the first chicane on the opening lap and controlled the race from the front.
• A late Safety Car closed the pack, but Verstappen eased clear again in the final 10 laps.
• Norris, benefiting from fresher tyres, passed Piastri for second during the sprint to the finish.

Piastri's challenge for victory faltered after an early pit stop left him in traffic, while Verstappen and Norris extended their opening stints. This result reduces Piastri's lead over Norris in the Drivers' Championship to 13 points, with Verstappen closing within 22 points.

Lewis Hamilton had a strong recovery drive from 12th to fourth for Ferrari, his best grand prix finish for the team, benefiting from the Safety Car and Virtual Safety Car.

Alex Albon finished fifth for the second consecutive race, after Charles Leclerc gave the position back following an investigation for forcing the Williams off track.

The next race is the Monaco Grand Prix on May 23-25.