International media reacts after Verstappen fends off Norris

Max Verstappen matched Michael Schumacher's record of three consecutive wins at Imola, after defeating Lando Norris by just seven-tenths of a second to win the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. 

It marked yet another bounce back from the reigning world champion, who was denied victory by Norris in the Miami Grand Prix. 

As for Ferrari, at one of its two home races, Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz finished in third and fifth.

But what did the world make of the race? Find out as we look through the biggest headlines from international media to see what the globe is talking about!

🇬🇧 The Sunday Times – 'Lando Norris keeps pace with Max Verstappen at Italian Grand Prix'

In the United Kingdom, The Sunday Times has focused on Norris falling just short of back-to-back victories. 

The McLaren driver had looked out of contention for the win mid-race but discovered some extraordinary pace in the closing stages to put Verstappen under severe pressure. 

Norris just missing out on victory was a common theme in UK newspapers, as The Sun's headline featured "NORR-T TO BE".

🇮🇹 Corriere della Sera – 'Norris close to the encore'

In Italy, Corriere della Sera also heavily focus on Norris' narrow defeat in its traditional post-race driver ratings. 

Despite finishing second, Norris is awarded a rating of 10/10 by the Italian newspaper as is McLaren. According to Corriere della Sera, McLaren is the best team on the grid other than Red Bull. 

"Not much bullshit, at the moment it is the real and most solid alternative to Red Bull. Indeed, to Verstappen," they write. 

🇫🇷 L'Equipe – 'Verstappen: “I was sliding a lot and saw Lando (Norris) getting closer…”'

In France, L'Equipe has written about Verstappen suddenly seeing Norris approaching him in the closing stages at Imola. 

The Red Bull driver started suffering from sliding, with his hard tyres having struggled in the final laps of the Grand Prix. 

Interestingly, the Dutchman found managing the hard compound more difficult than the medium tyres he started the race on.

🇩🇪 BILD – 'Verstappen shows fans the middle finger'

In Germany, BILD has reported on Verstappen revealing after he claimed pole position on Saturday, that he displayed a rude gesture towards a fan. 

The 26-year-old came across a fan making a gesture towards him when driving through the pit lane, whilst others were busy clapping. 

Comically, Verstappen responded by giving the fan the "finger", much to the disbelief of the individual who then joined others in clapping.

🇳🇱 De Telegraaf – 'Grieving Sergio Pérez praises Max Verstappen: "His best weekend in times"'

In the Netherlands, Sergio Perez's difficulties are discussed. The Mexican driver only finished eighth in Imola, meaning he was not present to support Verstappen against Norris. 

Perez opted to start on the hard compound and run deep into the race, although this strategy ultimately worked against him. 

As proven by Verstappen's second stint, managing the hard compound was a real challenge for the drivers. In fact, Perez believes his team-mate had one of his best weekend performances. 

🇦🇺 Herald Sun – 'Formula 1 reporter dragged off live TV, disappears at Emilia Romagna Grand Prix'

In Australia, a Viaplay reporter being dragged off the grid is one of the leading topics and it is easy to see why!

The reporter was busy speaking to Verstappen and followed him onto the grid, before quickly being dragged off the grid mid-interview. 

Verstappen looked around puzzled when the incident happened, which Sky Sports F1 caught live!