McLaren made an impressive showing during the qualifying round for the Italian Grand Prix. The team secured the entire first row in Monza. With only a thirty-point deficit in the constructor’s championship against Red Bull, it’s hard to imagine a better starting position for a team. This is especially true when their Austrian competitor is only found on the fourth starting row.
The orange racing cars must primarily survive the long straight stretch towards the first chicane. The teams behind them will try to take full advantage of the slipstream battles and out-braking maneuvers. For instance, George Russell knows there’s something to gain from P3 in Monza, and this is especially true for the two Ferraris behind him. A podium spot with thousands of cheering Tifosi underneath is, of course, a crowning achievement for them in this race.
Hamilton’s Hopes for a Podium Finish
At P6, we find Lewis Hamilton. The driver, who will be starting in red next year, could have kicked himself after the qualifying round. According to him, the first starting row was certainly possible with the speedy Mercedes. The seven-time world champion is preparing for a comeback race, as he also knows that a podium spot might be within reach.
Red Bull’s Disappointing Performance
Only then do we find the Red Bull duo on the grid, which is certainly disappointing. The last time Max Verstappen qualified this poorly was in Miami last year. He drove a fantastic comeback race then, but whether that will be the case this time is still a question. The advice is to limit the damage and especially stay out of trouble. Otherwise, Norris might suddenly gain a lot of points, should he finish the race victoriously.
Argentinian Debutant
Finally, Franco Colapinto is making his Grand Prix debut. The Argentinian is starting from P18, but this gives a somewhat distorted picture. The Williams driver made a mistake in his qualifying lap, preventing a better starting position. Teammate Alexander Albon is starting from P9, indicating that the speed is good in the Williams. Colapinto should primarily use the race to gain experience, build confidence in the car, and aim to finish. Anything else is a bonus.
The burning question remains whether everyone will survive the first chicane and the subsequent corners without damage. In the past, there have been numerous incidents with cars colliding, spinning, or shooting straight ahead. In short, anything can happen this afternoon when the race starts at 15.00 Dutch Time (6:00 UST).
Read all about the Italian GP in Monza here.
Now in the store and also available digitally (with free delivery in the Netherlands!): the latest edition of FORMULA 1 Magazine! With everything about the Dutch GP in Zandvoort, the exciting battle between Lando Norris and Max Verstappen, interviews with George Russell, Rico Verhoeven and Ruud Gullit, reports from the paddock and much more!
