Max Verstappen was able to do just enough to hold off a late challenge from Lando Norris to win an entertaining Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.
The Dutchman put in a stellar lap to secure pole position on Saturday ahead of both McLaren drivers.
Oscar Piastri lost his front-row grid position alongside Verstappen after being penalised for impeding Kevin Magnussen during Q1, bumping Norris up to second.
McLaren came into the weekend full of confidence they were going to be able to challenge Verstappen once again after Norris secured his first F1 race win in Miami last time out.
Max Verstappen managed to hold off Lando Norris
PA
The start was going to be paramount for both drivers and Verstappen was able to hold off Norris going into the first corner.
But the Englishman was staying within DRS range for the first few laps to keep Verstappen on his toes.
The Red Bull driver was soon able to get out of the one-second range and create some clean air between him and Norris before the first set of pit stops.
At the halfway mark, it appeared as though the race was heading towards another comfortable victory for Verstappen.
But it burst into life in the final 10 laps when Verstappen began to complain about his tyres on team radio.
Norris sensed an opportunity and soon began to quickly close in on his rival at a rate of knots.
The gap continued to close, however Verstappen did just enough to keep Norris out of DRS range until the final lap.
That left it too late for the McLaren driver to create an opportunity to overtake with Verstappen crossing the line for his fifth victory of the season.
Lando Norris came close to a second F1 race win
PA
The reigning world champion appeared exhausted on team radio after crossing the line.
"I had to work for that! Wooo! We did a great race considering how it started," he said.
Norris felt frustrated not to clinch his second consecutive win, but he praised his team for another strong weekend.
LATEST SPORT NEWS:
Max Verstappen has moved further clear in the championship
PA
"Unlucky! Almost. We lost too much in the beginning," he said.
"Another amazing weekend, well done everyone. A lot of points, another trophy. Let's keep it up.
"One or two more laps. That's all I needed. It's frustrating not to win. Feels more painful!"