Verstappen Showcases First Lap Overtaking Mastery at Imola

Max Verstappen displayed his exceptional first-lap skills at the Imola Grand Prix by overtaking Oscar Piastri at the Tamburello corner — a bold maneuver that secured his latest win at the Italian circuit.

A poor start turned into opportunity

Despite losing position at the start, Verstappen swiftly recovered by choosing the outside line, where grip levels were higher. Piastri later admitted he was overly cautious under braking, giving Verstappen the window to carry an extra 30 km/h into the turn.

More iconic first-lap heroics

This Imola move adds to Verstappen’s impressive portfolio of first-lap brilliance, including:

• Passing Lewis Hamilton in a wet Imola (2021)

• Overtaking both Mercedes cars in Mexico (2021)

• Gaining six positions from P14 to P8 at Spa (2022)

• Defending against Charles Leclerc in rainy Suzuka

• Climbing from P17 to victory in Brazil (2024)

Verstappen’s mindset

“After qualifying, I was extremely frustrated when I got back to my room,” Verstappen said, recalling the Brazil GP.

“But when the lights went out, I was determined not to let my title hopes slip away.”

His latest performance at Imola proves once again that Max Verstappen’s aggressive but calculated starts continue to be a defining edge in his Formula 1 dominance.