Italian Grand Prix – The Top/Flop of the editorial staff

TOP 3

It’s not a top, but clearly, the FIA can be proud of having insisted on the development of the halo. This element is not the most graceful, but it once again proved its usefulness this Sunday. Lewis Hamilton owes it to him, if not his life, at least greatly mitigating the impact on his helmet.

1/ Ricciardo and McLaren, the perfect race!

Author of a remarkable takeoff, the Australian driver silences all the naysayers about him. This victory is in no way due to circumstances. He has managed to hold his own against Verstappen in the first part of the race. Daniel also imposed his strategic choices on his engineering team. A thoroughly deserved victory.

McLaren is the team in form this weekend. The whole team had a perfect weekend. Starting with well-executed pit stops. Lando Norris finishes just behind his teammate. His exemplary behavior is to be highlighted, as even though he would have liked to win, he admits defeat to Ricciardo and will sincerely congratulate him.

With Alpine (formerly Renault) in Hungary, Williams thanks to good qualifications, notably in Spa and McLaren, this time in Monza, the teams that have made the glory of this sport rebel this year. It is pleasant to see these prestigious names back at the top of the bill.

2/ Valtteri Bottas, a solid race

Without this engine change imposed by Mercedes, this weekend could have been the Finnish driver’s. After a last qualifying lap where he surprises everyone by taking the first place, he conquers victory during Saturday’s sprint race. Valtteri Bottas warned his team that he would be back on the podium at the end of the race. His third place is well deserved. He manages a great comeback without falling into the traps of this atypical track.

3/ An iconic route, temple of speed

Once again, this legendary track offered us a great show. Sunday’s race was marked by numerous incidents, as the drivers were able to “race”. The two restarts allowed for many overtakings and nice battles.

Certainly, these unusual old layouts more than ever deserve their place in the calendar. It is not for nothing that the Italian Grand Prix is the only one, along with the British Grand Prix, to have experienced every edition of the Formula 1 World Championship.

Another record, this race took place 70 times.

FLOP 3

We do not revisit the clash between Hamilton and Verstappen. The two leaders are fiercely competing for the world championship and this kind of action can mark certain races, as was the case at Silverstone. It is just regrettable that Max Verstappen did not take the time to check on Lewis Hamilton’s condition after this violent impact.

1/ The new weekend format, which is not suitable for this track

Unsurprisingly, the new weekend format being tested this year at three Grand Prix is not suitable for the Monza track. Apart from the start action and Pierre Gasly’s accident, this sprint race served no purpose. It will be necessary to check at Interlagos if this format is legitimate for next year.

2/ AlphaTauri missed its home race

Winners last year, AlphaTauri and Pierre Gasly had high expectations for this Italian race. Their hopes were dashed during the sprint race when Pierre Gasly tore off his wing. Unfortunately, the damage from his accident was more severe than expected. On Sunday, in the race, Tsunoda didn’t even start, while Gasly had to retire at the end of the first lap. A forgettable weekend in order to start fresh in Sochi.

3/ Sergio Perez too messy

Until his victory in Azerbaijan, Sergio Perez was finally playing the role of a good number 2 at Red Bull Racing. Lately, he is clearly suffering from a lack of straight-line speed in qualifying. This Sunday in Monza, his race was marred by messy acts and clumsiness. Usually, the Mexican’s race pace is very good, but he couldn’t stay ahead of Valtteri Bottas. Red Bull is thus conceding some points to their rival Mercedes for the constructors’ crown. These points could prove important at the end of the year.