Italy: Flashback 2018 and Winner Predictions
As the legendary circuit of Monza has just been renewed until at least 2024, let's look back at last year's edition and who might win the race this weekend.
2018 in broad strokes: A spin for Vettel as Lewis Hamilton goes on to win the race.
After disappointing his German fans by crashing at Hockenheim, Vettel was determined to redeem himself in front of his other fans, the tifosis. The first step to redeem himself was to start on pole position. Unfortunately for the four-time world champion, it was his teammate who captured it by benefiting from the slipstream.
Attacked by his main rival at the fourth corner from the outside, the German driver tries to resist but presses the accelerator pedal too early. This results in a 180-degree spin. From that point, any chance of victory for Sebastian Vettel instantly goes up in smoke.
Meanwhile, Kimi Räikkönen and Lewis Hamilton were engaged in a titanic battle. Almost every lap they exchanged positions with late braking, crossovers, and other maneuvers that Formula 1 drivers master perfectly. It was on the 45th lap at the first chicane that the Briton launched the ultimate attack. Quicker on the exit than the Finn, the Iceman could no longer compete with his now overly worn tires.
Two laps earlier, it was Valtteri Bottas who tried to overtake Verstappen at the first corner by taking the outside line. But the Dutchman didn’t seem to agree and squeezed the Mercedes driver to the outside. A late move that caused a minor collision between the two, forcing car number 77 to take the runoff area. An incident that didn’t particularly please the FIA, which penalized the Red Bull driver with a 5-second penalty.
A penalty allowing Sebastian Vettel to finish in fourth place, just off the podium. After his first-lap accident, the German was forced to make an innumerable number of overtakes.
The result of this race marked a turning point for the World Drivers’ Championship. From this Grand Prix, Ferrari and its number one driver started to let the world champion trophy slip away. Vettel was 30 points behind Hamilton and Ferrari trailed Mercedes by 25 points.
The Editorial Prediction:
Thanks to our telekinesis powers, the Motors Inside editorial team can project into the future to accurately predict who will win this Italian Grand Prix. Whether for pole position or the race, Leclerc is the big favorite. Few expect Vettel to claim victory on Saturday or Sunday, but we can assure you that Lewis Hamilton will be on the podium. A surprise guest might also join the celebration. This is none other than Sergio Perez, who could surprise everyone by finishing 3rd. After all, the Mexican did overtake two Ferraris in 2012 to finish 2nd at the wheel of a Sauber.
From our special correspondent in Italy.
