Max Verstappen gave his Formula 1 title defense a big boost with victory at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix on Sunday after a daring overtake on standings leader Oscar Piastri at the start. The Dutch driver built a commanding lead which was wiped out when the safety car bundled the field back up.

Max Verstappen produced another champion’s drive in Imola to win his second race of the season and close the gap to the two McLarens in the drivers’ standings.

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, starting on the front row behind pole-sitter Oscar Piastri of McLaren, got the better of it. Verstappen skilfully and beautifully navigated around the outside of Piastri to overtake him for a lead which he maintained until the chequered flag at Imola.