Italian Grand Prix: Verstappen wins, Carlos Sainz secures a podium for the Tifosi

Second round after the summer break, Monza is hosting the F1 this weekend for the 72nd time in its history. We know that the temple of speed often provides surprising races. This weekend started with an (almost) miracle for Carlos Sainz and Ferrari. The Spaniard managed to snatch pole position on Saturday while Charles Leclerc will start third. Struggling this season, Ferrari seems to be transcended by the unconditional support of the Tifosi, who are present in large numbers to support their team.

Even before the race began, it was interrupted due to the retirement of Yuki Tsunoda, whose car broke down during the warm-up lap. Immobilized on the side of the track with smoke coming from the engine, the single-seater had to be removed, delaying the start by twenty minutes.

At the lights out, the start is hotly contested but everyone remains cautious. The twenty single-seaters negotiate the first corner, the tightest of the circuit, without any issues. Sergio Perez makes a great breakthrough while Oscar Piastri gains a position on Alex Albon. Carlos Sainz manages to keep the lead of the race and does his best to keep the monster Verstappen at bay.

A beautiful duel Sainz-Verstappen

DRS activated, the world champion attempts an overtaking maneuver at the end of the straight after the pit lane. Carlos Sainz aggressively defends, the two cars come close to a collision but the Spaniard wins this first duel and maintains the advantage. The Ferraris sandwich the Red Bull and are already creating a comfortable gap with the rest of the pack. In the battle for fourth place, Sergio Perez swoops in on George Russell like a vulture on its prey, but the British driver defends well.

At the end of the 10th lap, Pierre Gasly makes the first pit stop. Starting with medium tires, he switches to hard tires. Struggling this weekend, due to a powerful engine weaker than the rest of the grid, Alpine seems to be trying a slightly different strategy. A little later, Esteban Ocon will be forced to retire due to a problem with his steering wheel.

Max Verstappen takes the lead on the 15th lap. With the DRS on the straight, the Dutch driver locks up at the first corner. The two cars are side by side but Sainz locks up his tires. The Red Bull driver then takes advantage of the inside line to pass the corner and overtakes the Spaniard on the exit. In the meantime, Sergio Perez overtakes George Russell.

Charles Leclerc obediently stays behind his teammate, waiting for him to stop a few laps later to get rid of his tires, completely worn out from defending against Verstappen. The Monegasque driver also comes in.

The fights between teammates are raging

At the halfway point, George Russell receives a five-second penalty for gaining time by going through the first turn escape route. At the same time, Lando Norris, on fresh tires, and Oscar Piastri, coming out of the pits, find themselves side by side. At the first corner, the British driver takes the inside line and gains the advantage, lightly tapping the front wheel of his teammate. McLaren’s strategy here works against the young Australian.

Charles Leclerc is still chasing Carlos Sainz. Less than a second apart, the teammates still can’t separate themselves. But Perez is very close. Leclerc goes from being the hunter to being hunted. Both drivers are taking risks. In the second chicane, the Monegasque doesn’t leave any space for the Mexican who is pushed onto the grass. Nevertheless, the Red Bull is faster and takes advantage of the straight to seize third place.

With 43°C on the track, tire management is a crucial issue. In fact, Lewis Hamilton is complaining about his tires on the radio. The seven-time world champion is struggling with his medium tires and is worried about their lifespan.

A tension-filled end of the race

Lando Norris, attacking Alex Albon for several laps, has his best opportunity to overtake him in the first corner, but the Thai driver doesn’t give him any room and forces him to take the escape route. Behind them, Lewis Hamilton gets alongside Oscar Piastri in the first chicane and ends up making contact with the rookie’s car. The front wing of the McLaren driver is damaged, forcing him to stop. Considered responsible for the collision, Hamilton receives a penalty. This doesn’t seem to stop him as he continues his climb and slots himself between Alex Albon and Lando Norris.

At the front, Pérez managed to get rid of Carlos Sainz after several attempts. Charles Leclerc is taking notes. The garage neighbors at Ferrari are not giving each other any gifts and are likely to clash multiple times. The tension is at its peak to see whether Sainz or Leclerc will step on the podium in front of the Tifosi.

Max Verstappen is the first to cross the checkered flag, winning his 10th consecutive Grand Prix. Sergio Perez is second while Carlos Sainz, who resisted his teammate, completes the podium.

The Results Table