Emilia Romagna F1 Grand Prix 2024 Results: Max Verstappen Wins, Norris Finishes 2nd
Joseph Zucker@@JosephZucker
Featured Columnist IVMay 19, 2024
After two long weeks, order has been restored in Formula One.
Max Verstappen returned to the top of the podium, winning the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix and earning his fifth victory of the 2024 season.
Formula 1 @F1WHAT A FINISH!! 🤯<br><br>MAX VERSTAPPEN HOLDS ON TO WIN IN IMOLA - JUST!! 👏👏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/F1?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#F1</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ImolaGP?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ImolaGP</a> <a href="https://t.co/dOoyFfcqcE">pic.twitter.com/dOoyFfcqcE</a>
Lando Norris, who claimed his first career F1 checkered flag in the Miami Grand Prix, finished in second place, while Charles Leclerc rounded out the podium.
It didn't take long for Verstappen to make it clear at Imola he wasn't going to be runner-up again Sunday. The reigning Formula One champion started from the first position and quickly solidified himself atop the field.
Formula 1 @F1LAP 2/63<br><br>Verstappen makes a break for it out front, closely pursued by Norris, Leclerc, Sainz and Piastri.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/F1?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#F1</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ImolaGP?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ImolaGP</a> <a href="https://t.co/i1urVxuYa0">pic.twitter.com/i1urVxuYa0</a>
Race fans have seen this story too many times before. Verstappen didn't put together one of his typically dominant performances. Norris consistently stayed within two seconds of the leader and ran hot on his heels.
But Verstappen never faced any serious threat of relinquishing first place. Norris had to settle for closing the gap to less than one second by the time he crossed the finish line.
Verstappen said over the team radio he had to "work hard for that," while Norris lamented an "unlucky" outcome and cited the ground he ceded early into the race. The Miami and Emilia Romagna Grands Prix do at least raise some hope Verstappen could have a challenger for the points title, something that was noticeably missing across the 2023 season.
For Lewis Hamilton, the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix was a continuation of his campaign. He wound up in sixth for the second straight race and he's still looking for his first podium finish.
The seven-time F1 champion did earn bragging rights over teammate George Russell.
All eyes are now on Monaco for the centerpiece of the Formula One schedule. Qualifying for the Monaco Grand Prix gets underway next Saturday with the race to follow on May 26.
Verstappen has two victories in the last three years in the legendary event. Having regained his winning form, he'll be the heavy favorite to make it three out of four.