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4mo ago

Verstappen's Imola Win Tightens F1 Title Race as FIA Directives Stir Debate

Max Verstappen's victory at Imola ends McLaren's dominance, narrows the championship gap, and raises questions about the impact of recent FIA clarifications.

Formula One F1 - Emilia Romagna Grand Prix - Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, Imola, Italy - May 18, 2025 McLaren's Lando Norris in action during the race Pool via REUTERS/Luca Bruno/File Photo
Formula One F1 - Emilia Romagna Grand Prix - Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, Imola, Italy - May 18, 2025 McLaren's Oscar Piastri in action during the race REUTERS/Florion Goga/File Photo
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Overview

  • Max Verstappen's Emilia Romagna GP win, aided by Red Bull's RB21 upgrades and strategic execution, reduced McLaren's championship lead to 22 points.
  • The FIA issued two technical directives before Imola, clarifying skid block materials and banning certain tyre cooling methods, sparking speculation about their influence on McLaren's performance.
  • McLaren denies making any changes in response to the directives, asserting that its car setup remained consistent and compliant with FIA regulations.
  • Red Bull's improved performance at Imola was attributed to a combination of track layout suitability, Verstappen's clean air advantage, and the team's upgraded car.
  • Upcoming flexi-wing regulations, set to take effect at the Spanish GP, are expected to prompt adjustments across teams, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape.