Max Verstappen cruises to Italian Grand Prix win amid late McLaren drama in Monza

Max Verstappen has eased to victory in Sunday's Italian Grand Prix in a race where Lando Norris closed the gap on Championship leader Oscar Piastri.

The only drama at Monza with regards to the frontrunners came at the start and end of the race, Verstappen initially failing to convert his pole into a lead.

Having seemingly left Norris with insufficient room heading into the first corner and then cutting the chicane, Verstappen was asked to give up his advantage.

However, after regaining first place several laps later, the Dutchman never looked back as he cruised to the win in his Red Bull.

There was small controversy during the final stages as Piastri - who was the long-term third place in this race - overtook Norris as a result of a slow pit-stop from his McLaren teammate.

A wheel nut required tightening at the second attempt, subsequently resulting in Norris dropping behind the Australian, but McLaren requested that Piastri allow Norris to retake the position.

Here's the McLaren team radio moment ??#F1 #ItalianGP pic.twitter.com/IwU1ozOYvg

— Formula 1 (@F1) September 7, 2025

In response, it was clear that there was mild annoyance from Piastri, but he settled on third place in what he will view as another step towards the title.

The Ferrari duo of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton were fourth and sixth respectively, either side of Mercedes driver George Russell.

Alexander Albon, Gabriel Bortoleto, Kimi Antonelli and Isack Hadjar completed the top 10.

How does the F1 Championship look?

Norris now sits 31 points adrift of Piastri in the standings with seven races remaining, the next coming in Azerbaijan in two weeks time.

Despite Verstappen sealing his third race win of the campaign, he remains 63 points behind second-placed Norris.

Russell is now 36 points behind Verstappen and 31 points clear of Leclerc.