Max Verstappen produced a stunning performance at Monza to win the Italian Grand Prix in record time. The Red Bull driver stopped McLaren’s run of dominance by overtaking Lando Norris early in the race and never looked back.
Verstappen’s victory, his third of the season, also set the record for the fastest race in Formula 1 history. Despite trailing Oscar Piastri by 94 points in the championship, the win proved that Verstappen and Red Bull still have the power to challenge McLaren.
Verstappen’s Bold Move Defines the Race
Starting from pole, Verstappen lost the lead briefly to Norris after a heated first lap. Norris even called him an “idiot” on the team radio after being pushed wide. But Verstappen responded quickly with a daring pass at the chicane on lap four, reclaiming the lead and pulling away.
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From there, he controlled the pace, building a six-second gap before his pit stop. “It was really enjoyable,” Verstappen said after the race. “I think we pitted at the right time and with the hard tyres at the end you can push a bit more… It was a fantastic execution by everyone.”
McLaren Struggles With Strategy
McLaren entered the race as favourites, but mistakes cost them. Norris lost valuable time with a slow pit stop, while Piastri pitted too late on lap 47. To avoid another disaster after last week’s Dutch Grand Prix, McLaren ordered Piastri to let Norris through for second place.
That decision kept Norris just 31 points behind Piastri in the championship. But Verstappen, listening on the Red Bull radio, laughed at McLaren’s team orders as he cruised to victory. “I think the whole weekend we were all in. It was super enjoyable to win here,” Verstappen added.
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Ferrari Disappoints Home Fans
Ferrari fans at Monza were left disappointed as Charles Leclerc finished fourth. He could not repeat his 2019 pole-to-win performance. His teammate Lewis Hamilton, racing at Monza for Ferrari for the first time, started 10th after a penalty and climbed to sixth, but could not pass George Russell.
It was another frustrating weekend for Ferrari, which has not won at Monza since 2019.
Historic Weekend for Verstappen
Verstappen’s win came after he set the fastest lap ever in F1 qualifying on Saturday. His flawless race execution made the Italian GP the fastest race in Formula 1 history at 1hr 13mins 24.325sec.
It was also his second win in Italy this season after taking the Emilia Romagna GP in May. With McLaren having won most races this year, Verstappen’s victory reminded the paddock that he is still one of the most dangerous drivers on the grid.
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Championship Picture
Verstappen is still 94 points behind Piastri in the drivers’ standings after this outstanding effort. The two McLaren teammates will engage in an exciting title battle because Piastri leads Norris by just 1 point.
But for the time being, Verstappen is the main focus because he made history with the fastest Formula 1 race ever and gave a masterclass at Monza.
