Max Verstappen returned to winning ways with a dominant drive at the Italian Grand Prix, but his victory was overshadowed by McLaren’s controversial use of team orders. Oscar Piastri, who had rejoined ahead of Lando Norris after a quicker pit stop, was instructed to let his team-mate through, igniting fresh tension in the championship fight.
The call, which McLaren likened to Hungary 2024, cut Piastri’s title lead to 31 points with eight races remaining, while Verstappen celebrated his first win since May at the Temple of Speed.
McLaren’s Pit Stop Gamble Backfires
McLaren rolled the dice by pitting Piastri before Norris in the closing stages, hoping to cover Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc. The Australian’s stop was faultless at 1.9 seconds, while Norris suffered a costly wheel gun delay that dropped him behind. Despite Piastri’s protests that “a slow pit stop is part of racing,” he followed the order to hand the place back.
Norris admitted afterwards that “mistakes were made” but welcomed the team’s decision, while Piastri played down the controversy, acknowledging his team-mate had been ahead for most of the race.
Verstappen Dominates
From pole, Verstappen controlled the pace throughout, shrugging off early pressure from Norris despite a heated first-lap exchange that forced the Briton onto the grass. Ordered to briefly cede position after cutting the chicane, Verstappen swiftly retook the lead and never looked back, pulling away to win by more than 19 seconds.
It was a statement performance for Red Bull on a high-speed circuit that suited their car, as Verstappen reminded the field of his raw pace after nine races without a win.
Eventful Start, Settled Finish
The opening laps provided fireworks as Piastri and Leclerc traded places in a fierce battle, while Norris and Verstappen clashed at Turn One. Once the dust settled, Leclerc held fourth ahead of Mercedes’ George Russell, while Lewis Hamilton salvaged sixth on his Ferrari debut at Monza after a grid penalty left him starting 10th.
Williams’ Alex Albon impressed in seventh, with Gabriel Bortoleto scoring points for Sauber in eighth, ahead of Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli and Racing Bulls’ Isack Hadjar.
Alonso’s Misfortune Continues
Fernando Alonso looked set for a strong top-seven finish before suspension failure ended his race. After qualifying eighth in an underpowered Aston Martin, the Spaniard had brilliantly undercut Bortoleto but was forced to retire after a heavy ride over the Ascari kerbs. It was yet another cruel twist in a season defined by bad luck.
What’s Next?
Formula 1 leaves Europe behind for Round 17 on the streets of Baku at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix from 19–21 September. With McLaren under pressure to manage their drivers fairly and Verstappen back in the winner’s circle, the championship battle is set to intensify under the Baku city lights.
