2024 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix Race Report and Highlights: Verstappen holds off Norris’ thrilling late charge to win Emilia Romagna Grand Prix

Verstappen reported his left front tire was “not good” on lap 21, while Russell stopped for the hard compound a lap later. A flurry of action followed in the pit lane as Norris quickly left second, putting the McLaren back on track in P7 behind Perez.

Ferrari, meanwhile, appeared to be attempting to overtake as Norris ended up in traffic, although the Briton had already managed to clear Perez within a few laps. Piastri also stopped before overtaking Stroll for P7 after returning to the track, with the Australian showing strong pace.

Race leader Verstappen quickly made his pit stop, while the Scuderia brought on Leclerc a lap later, leaving Sainz and Hamilton in the lead as both were yet to pit. Leclerc and Piastri quickly passed Perez, while Sainz and Hamilton each made their pit stops on lap 28.

Sainz placed sixth behind Piastri and Perez, which would surely please the McLaren team as the Ferrari now had to find a way to overtake the Red Bull. Further back, Tsunoda pulled off an impressive overtake on Sargeant, the Williams having yet to make a pit stop.

As the race headed towards the halfway point, Verstappen held the lead ahead of Norris, Leclerc and Piastri, while Sainz had moved ahead of Perez – still a long way through his first stint – for fifth place. The Mexican may be known for his “tire whisperer” qualities, but his tough qualities seemed to be fading.