Max Verstappen has been brilliantly converted the perfect start into the top of the podium at Imola ahead of championship leader Lewis Hamilton, who made Pole position at Imola for Italian Grand Prix.

During the Wet-Dry race, Hamilton made a critical error after his first pit stop with the medium compound. The mistake was pushed him back into P9. It was cost his top podium opportunity, but he made P2, and it holds him top of drivers’ championship.

Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas and Russell collided and bringing out the red flags. The Williams’speedy tried to pass Bottas for a ninth-place around the outside, was squeezed onto the grass, got a tank slapper, and took out Bottas and himself.

Both cars were heavily damaged, debris all over the place, and both drivers had a few choice words for each other. Bottas gave Russell the finger. Russell responded with a slap.

“It was very challenging out there, especially in the beginning to stay on track to be honest, it was very slippery. I think we managed everything well. Verstappen said following race

“Then there was a little moment in my restart! Luckily we didn’t spin.

“But everything else went really well today so very happy with that.” Max added

On my side it was not the greatest days – Hamilton

“Congratulations to Max, he did a fantastic job today – just solid work from him. And also to Lando, what an awesome job and it’s so good to see McLaren back up there. Lewis said during post-race press session

“On my side it was not the greatest days, it’s the first time I’ve made a mistake in a long time. But I’m grateful I was able to bring the car home today.

On his error: “There was only one dry line, and I guess I was in too much of a hurry to get by everyone. I came to the inside and I could see it was wet and I was trying to stop, but the thing wouldn’t stop and it sent me off.

“A bit unfortunate but I’m really really grateful we were able to get going again, and to get some points for the team was really important today.” The Brit said.