Winners and Losers from F1's Controversial 2025 Italian Grand Prix

The 2025 Italian Grand Prix at Monza delivered a mix of triumph and disappointment, with Max Verstappen extending his dominance and McLaren facing tough questions. Several drivers saw their fortunes rise, while others faced significant setbacks, shaping the ongoing championship narratives.

Why it matters

This race further solidified the pecking order at the top while creating critical turning points for drivers battling for their F1 futures and for teams managing complex championship campaigns.

Winner: Max Verstappen

Max Verstappen secured a dominant win, defying earlier predictions that Red Bull wouldn't win at high-speed Monza. He took pole, briefly lost the lead to Lando Norris, but reclaimed it with a textbook Turn 1 pass. His superior race pace allowed him to pull away, showcasing Red Bull's improved setup philosophy and vindicating Technical Director Pierre Waché.

Loser: McLaren

McLaren faced scrutiny for controversial team orders, instructing Oscar Piastri to let Lando Norris pass after a slow pit stop. While the team aimed for fairness in a title fight, this decision raised questions about whether pit stop errors should be part of the racing outcome. This incident highlights the challenges of balancing driver equality with race integrity, especially when both drivers are contending for the world title.

Winner: Gabriel Bortoleto

Gabriel Bortoleto continued to impress, consistently out-qualifying his veteran teammate Nico Hülkenberg in seven consecutive sessions. His solid eighth-place finish from seventh on the grid, despite challenges from Lewis Hamilton and Alex Albon, underscores his potential for Audi. Bortoleto is making a strong case for