Charles Leclerc has to settle for P5 at the Imola Grand Prix, while Sebastian Vettel's race is ruined by an unlucky pit stop. The Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari sees Mercedes triumph and clinch a record-breaking 7th consecutive Constructors' Title.
An eventful start
Imola proves once again to be a driver and fan favourite, as the lights go out. Polesitter Valtteri Bottas keeps Hamilton at bay, giving Verstappen the chance to slide into P2. Antonio Giovinazzi has a stellar first lap, gaining six positions, while Charles Leclerc progresses through P6. Pierre Gasly, qualifying's star performer starting P4, is unfortunately soon out of the race with a water pressure issue. It is only Ocon's retirement on lap 29, however, to prompt the race's first VSC.
Lucky charm
The Virtual Safety Car regime proves incredibly beneficial to Hamilton, overcutting Bottas to gain the lead of the race, while Vettel's luck is once again nowhere to be seen. The German champion, previously managing to advance to P8, sees his race butchered by pit stop issues, causing him to rejoin in P14. The audience is only given a few laps to breathe, as another Safety Car is prompted by Verstappen's puncture, putting him into the gravel and out of the race.
The restart proves to be as exciting as expected, with Kvyat on a roll to get to P4 and Albon once again losing a chance to prove himself: a spin puts him at the back of the queue. Up in front, Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas are not challenged for yet another record breaking 1-2 finish, as a late-stage duel between Ricciardo and Kvyat for the last spot on the podium sees the Renault driver prevail.
Written by Aurora Dell'Agli
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