Verstappen takes victory in lively race

MAX Verstappen won a thrilling Emilia Romagna Grand Prix after Lewis Hamilton ran off the road and George Russell and Valtteri Bottas were involved in a 200mph crash, writes Philip Duncan.

Verstappen, who got the jump on pole-sitter Hamilton following a brilliant start in wet conditions in Imola, held his nerve as the chaos unfolded behind him.

Hamilton was in pursuit of the leader after switching to dry tyres, but the world champion made an uncharacteristic mistake, sliding into the gravel at the left-handed Tosa corner.

He managed to reverse out of the sand trap before stopping for repairs and fighting back from ninth to finish second.

Somerset’s Lando Norris was third for McLaren following a fine drive by the young Briton.

The race was red-flagged for 30 minutes on lap 34 when British driver Russell and Bottas collided at high speed.

Verstappen, below, should have won in Bahrain three weeks ago but for an illegal move on Hamilton for the win, while a mistake on his final lap in qualifying cost him pole in Imola.

But the Dutchman delivered a largely faultless display in the inclement conditions to take his 11th career win in a season which has started with two classic races.

Hamilton passed five drivers in 21 sensational laps following his spin, taking Norris around the outside of the first corner with three laps remaining to cross the line in second, 22 seconds behind winner Verstappen.

Charles Leclerc finished fourth for Ferrari ahead of team-mate Carlos Sainz.

Hamilton set the fastest lap to claim a bonus point. He leads Verstappen in the championship by a single point.

RUGBY: Hartpury let slip a 19-point second-half advantage in going down 43-41 to Ampthill in the GKIPA Championship.

After taking a first-minute lead, the only time the Gloucestershire side were behind was when Ampthill kicked the winning penalty late on.

Hartpury led 31-19 at half-time and 38-19 soon after, but were ultimately undone.

Luke Eves, Ehize Ehizode, Morgan Monks, Jack Johnson and Will Crane scored tries for the Red & Blacks.