In a surprising turn of events, Charles Leclerc claimed victory in the Italian Grand Prix at Monza in his Ferrari. Thanks to a successful gamble with a one-stop strategy, he managed to outpace the McLaren duo of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. Max Verstappen, who started from the seventh position, finished sixth. But how did it all unfold? Here’s a bird’s-eye view of the race:
Lap 1/53:
Despite a good start, Lando Norris loses the lead. His teammate, Oscar Piastri, overtakes him in a stunning move, which also allows Charles Leclerc to pass him in the Ferrari. Max Verstappen, who started on hard tires unlike most others, moves up to the 6th position after George Russell goes straight off the track in his Mercedes shortly after the start. Initially, Verstappen is unable to catch up with the top four (Piastri, Leclerc, Norris, Sainz, Hamilton).
Lap 8/53:
Yuki Tsunoda (VCARB) is the first to retire from the race, unable to continue after his car is hit hard by Nico Hülkenberg (Haas). Daniel Ricciardo, in turn, receives a penalty for an earlier incident with the same Hülkenberg. The top six remain unchanged, while George Russell later comes in for a new front wing and hard tires.
Lap 20/53:
Max Verstappen takes the lead! Norris, Leclerc, Hamilton, and Piastri have all pitted, but Verstappen, who started on hard tires, can go longer and therefore takes P1. His teammate Pérez follows. Behind them, Piastri still leads Norris, who has overtaken Leclerc via the undercut.
Lap 24/53:
Both Red Bull drivers have now made their pit stops; first Verstappen (lap 22), then Pérez. For both, it’s earlier than expected on the hard tires. Verstappen’s pit stop is particularly disastrous, with a right rear issue causing a 6.2-second delay. He continues on hard tires, indicating a two-stop strategy.
Lap 33/53:
With just under two-thirds of the race completed, Norris makes his second pit stop. While his teammate Piastri, leading the race, has his McLaren’s tires well under control, Norris is having significant issues with his front left tire. The victory seems to be slipping away from him. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen is experiencing engine power issues, raising concerns about his race outcome.
Lap 40/53: Piastri’s Pitstop and Verstappen’s Defense
Piastri makes his pitstop, switching to hard tires, ready to finish the race. Behind the top three, Verstappen is defending hard but fair against Norris. By the 41st lap, the Brit has passed him, and Verstappen immediately gets new mediums for his second and final stop of the race. The Dutchman re-enters the track in 6th place.
Lap 43/53: Ferrari’s One-Stop Strategy
Ferrari, with Leclerc and Sainz, occupies the 1st and 2nd positions and is aiming for a stunt: a one-stopper. Will the red brigade succeed at home? It’s nail-biting time for all tifosi on the track and around the world.
Lap 45/53: Sainz’s Mission Fails, Verstappen Aims for 5th
Sainz’s mission fails as Piastri overtakes him. The McLaren driver is now hunting the next Ferrari. Will it be a totally unexpected victory for Leclerc or the Australian? Meanwhile, Verstappen is driving the fastest race lap and is hoping for 5th place.
Lap 53/53: Race Ends with a Ferrari Victory
The race ends! Leclerc wins in Italy for Ferrari after a thrilling and nerve-wracking final phase! He stays ahead of Piastri and Norris, and the daring gamble of the Monegasque and his team pays off. The crowd goes wild, and there is an explosion of joy in Monza. Verstappen finishes sixth, losing seven points to Norris (who also takes the fastest race lap). The Brit reduces the gap in the World Championship to 63 points.
Results
For more information about the Italian GP in Monza, please visit the official website.
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