After every Grand Prix, we present the RaceReport, a unique and engaging digital recap of the race weekend. Reporters Bas Holtkamp and Gwen Kleverlaan bring you the latest from Monza!
SELFIES, CHAMPAGNE, AND CHAOS: WELCOME TO MONZA
The Monza paddock is always bustling during the Grand Prix weekend, but this year it seems even busier. Not only are the teams and journalists navigating through the chaos, but numerous VIPs and guests are also crowding the narrow street behind the pit boxes.
The Ferrari motorhome is particularly congested. Groups of VIPs and fans are all hoping for that one moment: a glimpse of Lewis Hamilton or Charles Leclerc. Hamilton, in particular, is causing quite a stir. Understandably so: this is his first Monza weekend in red, which has made the already fervent tifosi even more fanatical.
A notable presence on Saturday morning is Alexandra Saint Mleux, Charles Leclerc’s girlfriend. Armed with her dog Leo, she makes several trips back and forth through the paddock, for reasons unknown to onlookers. Is she taking a breath of fresh air? Or simply enjoying the show? The fans don’t really care. For them, this is the moment to score a selfie with the woman closest to their Ferrari hero.
The Monza paddock sometimes feels more like a catwalk than a workspace. VIPs shuffle in groups past the motorhomes, phones at the ready for that perfect shot. Security personnel try to keep the crowd under control. It’s chaotic, sometimes almost unmanageable, but above all, it’s typically Italian: busy, noisy, and full of passion. This unique mix is what makes the Italian Grand Prix so special.
Highlights in Monza
The Quote from Max Verstappen
“The cars for next year are performing well, but compared to this generation, we are ultimately losing in terms of speed. On some circuits, you can now set these lap records. And they might stand for a long time. Honestly, I didn’t even think about that when I crossed the finish line in the qualification, but it’s a nice bonus. However, I still think the 2020 Mercedes would be faster if you put it on the track now. But well, it remains enjoyable. Although, of course, some circuits are more fun than others.”
Top & Flop
While Max Verstappen takes the bull by the horns and celebrates victory at the Autodromo Nazionale di Monza, a chaotic pit stop and controversial team switch at McLaren cause a stir during the Italian Grand Prix. Will this have an impact on the rest of the season?
Max Verstappen Triumphs
On Saturday, the Red Bull driver not only secured the pole position but also claimed victory at the Italian Grand Prix. Max Verstappen’s win in Monza is more than just a victory; it signals that Red Bull is regaining control of the season. Where Verstappen previously complained about an unpredictable car, he exudes confidence in Italy. The arrival of Laurent Mekies as team principal plays a key role in this, according to the reigning world champion. With his technical background and logical approach, Mekies brings stability to the team. “Before, we were shooting in the dark with the setup,” admits Verstappen. “Mekies asks the right questions.” This change of direction seems to be getting Red Bull back on track, although Verstappen remains realistic and warns that they won’t suddenly be fighting for victory every weekend.
McLaren’s Misstep
A slow pit stop for Lando Norris during the Grand Prix leads to an unexpected twist for McLaren. The Brit loses his second position to teammate Oscar Piastri. The team then controversially orders Piastri to let Norris pass, despite his clear reluctance. This raises questions about the logic behind such team orders. Max Verstappen also catches wind of this during the race and responds tellingly over the radio: “Just because Norris had a slow stop?” The incident at McLaren highlights how delicate team dynamics and split-second decisions can influence the course of a race. Will this turn into frustration within the team that is vying for the world title this year?
Behind the Scenes
A glimpse behind the scenes at the Italian Grand Prix!
Results of the 2025 Italian Grand Prix
Podium photo after the 2025 Italian Grand Prix in Monza. (Getty Images)
Other Observations from Monza
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THREE QUESTIONS FOR… MAX VERSTAPPEN
‘Let’s not go overboard with Formula 1’
A clear no to additional sprint weekends: Max Verstappen shares his straightforward vision for the future of Formula 1.
What do you think of Domenicali’s proposal to shorten the race?
“The length of the race is just fine. This is the case in other sports too: sometimes you’re on the edge of your seat, sometimes you’re almost falling asleep. That’s sport. You can’t try to make all races exciting, because then it ultimately becomes boring. It should be a surprise. Sometimes surprisingly exciting, sometimes surprisingly dull.”
Do you have a proposal to make the races more exciting?
“If you bring the teams closer together, you get more action. And if you disregard McLaren this year, isn’t it all not so bad? The problem is mainly that we can’t drive so close to each other with these cars. As a result, you sometimes get stuck in a DRS train.”
Domenicali Wants to Add More Sprint Races to the Calendar, Do You Understand That?
“I do understand, because for the fans, it’s more exciting to see cars racing than just driving around during a practice session. But for us, those practice sessions are important and Formula 1 has been this way since the 1950s. Sports evolve, I get that, but let’s not go overboard with all these proposals. In my view, a sprint race is already quite a departure.”
Formula 1 Podcast
In this update from the Formula 1 Paddock Talk, we delve into Max Verstappen‘s magnificent victory at the Italian Grand Prix. How is it that Red Bull has suddenly become so dominant again, and what does this say about the upcoming races? We also discuss the surprising team switch at McLaren, Ferrari’s disappointing home race, and why Verstappen would never have given his place back to a teammate.
Next Grand Prix: Azerbaijan
Baku City Circuit
“The Formula 1 is heading to Baku for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2025. The street circuit along the Caspian Sea is known for its unique mix of long straight stretches, narrow turns through the historic city center, and the passage along the old city walls. Due to the time difference with the Netherlands, the session times deviate slightly from what fans are usually accustomed to. Below is the full timetable for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2025.
Azerbaijan GP 2025 Timetable
Friday, September 19
- First free practice: 06:30 – 07:30 UTC
- Second free practice: 10:00 – 11:00 UTC
Saturday, September 20
- Third free practice: 06:30 – 07:30 UTC
- Qualification: 10:00 – 11:00 UTC
Sunday, September 21
Race: 09:00 UTC
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