Franz Hermann roars to Imola victory on F1 debut

Franz Hermann, who was completely unknown until a week ago, primarily because he doesn’t exist, has powered to victory at the Emilia-Romag- nope, not saying it again, Imola Grand Prix.

The newcomer set up his maiden victory with a stunning overtake on McLaren’s Oscar Piastri on the opening lap, after which he was completely untroubled on his way to the chequered flag.

If you’re wondering what parallel universe TopGear.com is broadcasting from today, stand down: we’re of course referring to the false identity Max Verstappen used to test a 296 GT3 at the ‘Ring last week.

Clearly having a pseudonym works. Bearing down on the first corner Piastri took a cautious approach into the braking zone, not the slightest bit worried that the German rookie on his outside might dare challenge for the lead from that far back. Oops! Wrong.

In all seriousness, this was Verstappen at his outrageous best: not only sensing the move was on, but sending it right on the limit and bulldozing past, both within the white lines and without a shred of carbon fibre sacrificed. No stewards inquiry needed for that one.

From there neither McLaren could live with the pace of the Red Bull, and even a late-ish safety car failed to put Verstappen’s win in jeopardy. Simply lovely.

Whatever the struggles in the second Red Bull seat – Yuki Tsunoda recovered from a violent barrel roll in qualifying to finish P10 from a pit lane start – we can safely say the RB21 isn’t the fourth-fastest car on the grid any more.

In Verstappen’s hands it’s won more races than the supposed pre-season favourite (Lando Norris had a quiet run to P2) so far, and the Dutchman is still in touch with championship leader Piastri, 22 points down.

And we’re not even a third of the way into the season yet. World championship #5 is very much on.

Further back, there were any number of talking points: Hamilton's surge from P12 to P4, Albon's second P5 on the bounce for Williams, and Isack Hadjar impressing again with yet more points for RB. Any alternative shouts for Driver of the Day out there?

Next stop, Insomniac Heaven. Yep, Monaco. Now with two lots of pit stops to wake up for...