Seventh fundamental stage is that of Imola for the hierarchies of the world championship Formula 1. The fact that all teams have now brought at least one update package important makes clear the importance of this race weekend to deepen the values on the field. There starting grid sees Max Verstappen in pole position, with Norris and Leclerc behind, then Sainz and Piastri. It will be a pure battle to establish who the current second force is. Let's see the highlights of the race and the results of the 2024 Imola GP.

The traffic lights go out
When the lights are turned off Max Verstappen is not intimidated by fresh from victory Lando Norris. The Dutch of Red Bull holds the position, while the number 4 defends himself well from Leclerc's long braking. Not very good for Tsunoda, who after a very short time had already lost two positions to Hamilton and Hulkenberg. While Verstappen tries to sprint away, Leclerc struggles to keep up with Norris, granting DRS to Ferrari of the companion.
Delicate initial phase for Sainz, which after losing Leclerc's DRS is forced to defend himself from the dangers of Piastri. Meanwhile there is the first problem on the tenth lap: Alex Albon suddenly slows down after the pit stop. The Thai had a tire fitted incorrectly. Error also for Perez, who goes wide at Rivazza, returning to the track without losing eighth position.
The dance of pit stops begins
Lando Norris returns to mount the medium tyre. The Englishman returns to the track behind Perez. Piastri also tries to play the strategy card to overtake Sainz, returning to the track eighth. Meanwhile, Norris casually gets rid of Perez. Also Verstappen returns to the pits and then returns to fourth. On the twenty-fifth lap the two Ferraris are in the lead with one stop still to be served. Leclerc puts on hard tyres, returning to the track behind Perez and Norris. He comes back Sainz also went to the pits, returning to the track well behind Piastri.

Verstappen at risk of penalty, which not even halfway through the race has already received the black and white flag for violating track limits three times already. He gets rid of Perez Sainz, who now starts chasing Piastri, ahead of him with a gap of 6 seconds. On lap 33 the situation is delicate for Leclerc, who finds Piastri not far behind. McLaren's strategic choices are decidedly better than those of Ferrari. After an Odyssey that lasted 38 laps, Perez can also return to Ithaca to fit the medium compound. The Mexican returns to the track exactly where he started: 11th.
Ferrari raises its head but McLaren responds
On lap 43 Charles Leclerc's SF-24 seems to light up. The Monegasque places himself with determination in Norris's volleys. Error during the chase for Leclerc, with the number 16 going wide at the Gresini curve cutting the second curve. No damage to Leclerc except the loss of a few tenths of a second. Thrilling moment for the Ferrari fans given the recent episodes between Leclerc and the Imola variant. After the Monegasque's long shot, Norris seems to rekindle his energy and goes after Verstappen, closing the gap.
At the rear there is an excellent Stroll, who started 13th and moved up to ninth position. The pace of Norris' McLaren is crazy, moving within three seconds of Verstappen's Red Bull in the final stages. In the meantime, it is worth mentioning the withdrawal of Albon's Williams.
Arrival in a sprint to Imola
On lap 59 of 63 Norris is one second and eight tenths behind Verstappen. The number 4 fails to get close enough to the Dutchman during the last lap, and is forced to follow until the finish line. The number 1 gives yet another show of strength by conquering Imola, but the applause for Norris and McLaren overshadows the exploits of the three-time world champion. Third is Leclerc, with Piastres, Sainz and the Mercedes of Hamilton and Russell behind. Perez he is eighth ahead of Stroll e tsunoda. The Haas's Hulkenberg e Magnussen they are 11th and 12th respectively. Ricciardo he is thirteenth, with behind Or with, Zhou, gasly e Sergeant. Bottas and Alonso close the parade.