The 2025 Formula 1 season continues to deliver drama, and the Italian Grand Prix at Monza on September 7, 2025, was no exception. Max Verstappen reminded everyone of his talent by winning the race in record time, while tensions between McLaren teammates Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris stole headlines.
Italian GP Recap
The race at Monza saw Verstappen dominate from start to finish, completing the fastest-ever Formula 1 race in 1 hour, 13 minutes, and 24.325 seconds. This was Red Bull’s third major win of the season, and a strong sign that Verstappen is still a threat in the championship fight.
McLaren, meanwhile, had a dramatic afternoon. Norris inherited second place after team orders asked Piastri to let him through, a decision that sparked debate but showed McLaren’s focus on maximizing championship points. Piastri had started ahead but slipped to third after Lando’s slow pit stop and team strategy decisions.
Ferrari gave their home fans something to cheer for, with Charles Leclerc finishing fourth. George Russell and Lewis Hamilton also had solid drives, adding crucial points for Mercedes and Ferrari.
2025 F1 Drivers’ Championship Standings (After Italian GP)
| Position | Driver | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oscar Piastri | McLaren | 324 |
| 2 | Lando Norris | McLaren | 293 |
| 3 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull | 230 |
| 4 | George Russell | Mercedes | 194 |
| 5 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | 163 |
| 6 | Lewis Hamilton | Ferrari | 117 |
| 7 | Alex Albon | Williams | 70 |
| 8 | Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes | 66 |
| 9 | Isack Hadjar | Racing Bulls | 38 |
| 10 | Nico Hülkenberg | Kick Sauber | 37 |
Piastri still leads the championship, but his teammate Norris is now only 31 points behind, setting up a fierce title battle in the final stretch of the season. Verstappen remains in third, but he will need several big wins to close the gap.
Constructors’ Championship Standings
| Position | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | McLaren | 617 |
| 2 | Ferrari | 280 |
| 3 | Mercedes | 260 |
| 4 | Red Bull | 239 |
| 5 | Williams | 86 |
| 6 | Aston Martin | 62 |
| 7 | Racing Bulls | 61 |
| 8 | Sauber | 55 |
| 9 | Haas | 44 |
| 10 | Alpine | 20 |
McLaren holds a commanding 337-point lead over Ferrari, making them strong favorites to secure the Constructors’ Championship.
What’s Next?
With eight races remaining, the battle is intensifying:
- McLaren’s dominance continues, but the Piastri vs. Norris rivalry could shake things up.
- Verstappen’s Monza victory shows that Red Bull is still capable of winning races.
- Ferrari and Mercedes are showing progress, and the home crowd’s support has boosted Ferrari’s hopes for more podium finishes.
Conclusion
The Italian Grand Prix was another thrilling chapter in a season dominated by McLaren but spiced up by Verstappen’s speed and team strategy drama. Piastri remains in the lead, but
Norris is closing in, and Verstappen’s record-breaking win proves the title race isn’t over yet. Fans can expect more tension, surprises, and intense battles as the championship heads into its final rounds.
Written by Kinjal Walantra
