Oscar Piastri was flying high after snagging pole at the, but the Emilia Romagna GP became a nightmare. He played it too safe at the start, leaving just enough room for Verstappen to swoop in and steal the lead at Turn 1—a move George Russell called “bound to happen” if Piastri didn’t shut the door.

Max Verstappen secured a brilliant victory at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix on Sunday, taking the lead in stunning fashion by overtaking Oscar Piastri on the first turn before holding it to the line even as a safety car changed the complexion of the race late on.

Max Verstappen gave his Formula 1 title defense a big boost with victory at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix after a daring overtake on standings leader Oscar Piastri at the start.