Christian Horner admitted Max Verstappen 's first lap move was "win in or bin it" as the Red Bull driver benefitted from his early overtake to win the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix and close the gap in the world championship. The Dutchman was able to dive past pole sitter Oscar Piastri at the first braking zone, executing a stellar manoeuvre that was right on the edge. It allowed him to control the race and Verstappen ultimately won comfortably, despite a late safety car. Verstappen's bold overtaking has been a hallmark of his career, albeit it has divided opinion. His aggressive stance has seen him crash out in the past with rivals claiming he takes it too far. On this occasion at Imola it paid off perfectly for the defending world champion, who took his second win of the season and cut the deficit to the McLaren pair, who still lead him in the standings. Horner confessed that Verstappen's first lap move was all or nothing - but ultimately paid off. He said: "The start was pretty average. It was the first corner, and I think maybe Oscar was more focused on Russell and he left the slightest of gaps and Max just sent it. It was kind of 'win it or bin it' He's just so good in that situation where he just sees a gap and it's so decisive for him." Verstappen's gambles haven't always paid off and Horner's comments appear to suggest that the Dutchman will take the 50-50 chance whenever he's behind on the opening lap. Only weeks ago he found himself on the wrong side of the regulations in Saudi Arabia. On that occasion Piastri was able to get down the inside at the first corner and Verstappen attempted to go round the outside, only to go off track. He retained the place but was later his with a five second time penalty, which cost him the win. In the aftermath of that saga Red Bull boss Horner said he felt the penalty was "very harsh" and asked rhetorically: "Whatever happened to 'let them race on the first lap?' That just seems to have been abandoned." The value of leading has become clear this season and Verstappen has appeared willing to go as far as necessary, even exceeding the limit, to put himself ahead of the McLaren. It paid off at the weekend in San Marino with Piastri admitting he'll learn from the experience as he attempts to down the sport's king. "I thought I had it pretty under control, and it was a good move from Max. So, I'll learn for next time, clearly," he said. "Definitely would have done something different (in hindsight). I would have braked 10 metres later probably. Yeah. That's all. Live and learn."