2 winners and 2 losers at the Imola Grand Prix

The Imola Grand Prix was a reminder that the championship battle still has many twists and turns left to come, as Max Verstappen took victory whilst Charles Leclerc finished down in 6th place.

The Red Bull ace needed to kickstart his campaign after a second retirement of the season last time out in Australia, and he duly earned just that with him taking the maximum possible points haul home from the weekend.

Indeed, he took Sprint victory on Saturday to seal 8 points and then added another 26 with the race win and fastest lap on Sunday, so it’s perhaps no surprise he kicks off our winners and losers piece this time around…

Winner – Max Verstappen

The Dutchman rather appeared in a class of one on Sunday, with him reminding us all of his supreme wet weather driving skills.

He built up a lead to team-mate Sergio Perez and Charles Leclerc in the Ferrari, and earned all the points that were on offer to him.

Then, he had Leclerc spinning and finishing only sixth, so he’s managed to start making some inroads in the championship fight.

Loser – Carlos Sainz

Whilst Leclerc suffered a spin, he at least got some points on the board and did well to recover back to 6th place by the chequered flag.

For his team-mate, though, the bad luck continues with Daniel Ricciardo tapping him from behind and sending him into the gravel trap, from which he would not escape.

The Spaniard now finds himself 48 points off of Leclerc in the Drivers’ standings.

Winner – Lando Norris

McLaren were intrigued to see if their form from Australia could continue at Imola and, happily for them, it appears the progress they have made has stuck.

Norris benefitted most of all from that as he sealed third place on the podium for the Grand Prix, with him able to