The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix began with polesitter Verstappen holding the lead and managing the early phase ahead of Norris and Leclerc. Verstappen used a medium-to-hard strategy to stay in control, but tyre management became more difficult later in the race. Norris improved strongly in the second stint and began closing the gap rapidly in the final laps. Leclerc briefly threatened Norris but ultimately consolidated third. Norris came close to DRS range at the end, but Verstappen held on by just 0.725 seconds to win. Norris finished second, Leclerc third, and Yuki Tsunoda scored a point in tenth.