Italian GP: Max Verstappen Calls His Car "Monster" As Charles Leclerc Wins Race In Monza For Second Time
Charles Leclerc improved from behind to claim the Italian Grand Prix victory for Ferrari on their home grid in Monza, finishing ahead of McLaren duo, Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris who made podium in second and third position respectively.
It was an important race for Ferrari and starting off the might have not looked that promising for the team with Norris as the pole-sitter and Leclerc in P4. The take off was contentious between the two McLarens as Piastri quickly sped by Norris at Turn 1 to lead the race. McLaren later slid behind Leclerc who moved up to lead the race from Lap 40 after their pitting plan went wrong.
Piastri later overtook Carlos Sainz to reclaim P2 and Norris followed later on to get by the Ferrari to move up to third for a podium finish as Spaniard driver finished in fourth.
Unlike previous races, it was a quiet race for F1 defending champion, Max Verstappen. He was no where near the pace of McLaren and Ferrari. Last season, he won here at Monza for Red Bull's one-two podium victory. However, it was different race for him this season at Monza, he could only describe his car as a "monster".
"Last year, we had a great car," said Verstappen.."We basically have turned it into a monster. So, we have to turn it around."
George Russell for many times, got himself into difficult situations. Earlier, he ran off the track and rejoined from the shoulder, and therefater, he nearly ran into Sergio Perez, but the latter let him get ahead anyway. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton had a decent but non-dominant race. The seven-time champion finished in P5 ahead of Verstappen.
The victory brings Leclerc's career race wins to seventh, and with Norris making podium in third, he further narrowed Verstappen's lead on F1 driver's standings to 62 points.
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