Emilia Romagna GP: Max Verstappen wins at Imola but Lewis Hamilton stays ahead | Other Sports News

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Red Bull’s Max Verstappen gained a chaotic and crash-halted Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola on Sunday with Lewis Hamilton second for Mercedes and retaining the lead within the championship by a single level. The win, by a commanding 22 seconds at the chequered flag, was the eleventh of the Dutch teen’s profession.

“It was very challenging out there, especially in the beginning to stay on track to be honest, it was very slippery,” he stated of a race that began with most drivers on intermediates but some on full wets. “I think we managed everything well.” 

Hamilton, winner of the Bahrain season-opener, took an important bonus level for quickest lap on a rollercoaster afternoon for the seven-times world champion, whose race was virtually wrecked by a uncommon mistake. 

The Briton began on pole, his 99th, but dropped from second to ninth after skidding into the gravel and nudging the boundaries at Tosa along with his automotive at a standstill and a retirement looming. He saved the engine working, reversed again out, returned to the pits and fought his manner again to the rostrum with a stirring restoration drive after the race was stopped and re-started midway by way of. 

“On my side it was not the greatest days, it’s the first time I’ve made a mistake in a long time. But I’m grateful I was able to bring the car home today,” stated Hamilton. 

McLaren’s Lando Norris accomplished the highest three within the first time two British drivers had stood collectively on the rostrum since 2012.

Hamilton now has 44 factors to Verstappen’s 43, with Norris on 23. Mercedes stayed high of the constructors’ standings with 60 factors to Red Bull’s 53. 

Verstappen seized the lead into flip two on the opening lap, forcing his manner by way of with an excellent begin from third on the grid but making contact with the Mercedes as he went.

The race was halted resulting from particles after an enormous collision between Hamilton’s staff mate Valtteri Bottas, who had began eighth, and Williams’ George Russell on lap 32 in a battle for ninth place. There had been loads of mayhem earlier than then, with Canadian Nicholas Latifi smashing his Williams into the boundaries and loads of spins elsewhere.

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc completed fourth and Spanish staff mate Carlos Sainz was fifth, with McLaren’s Daniel Ricciardo sixth.

Canadian Lance Stroll was seventh for Aston Martin with AlphaTauri’s Pierre Gasly eighth and Kimi Raikkonen ninth for Alfa Romeo.

Frenchman Esteban Ocon took the final level for Alpine. 





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