Ferrari unleashed a strategy masterclass to ensure a huge home victory on home soil courtesy of Charles Leclerc. It looked as though Oscar Piastri and McLaren had it in the bag, but Ferrari and Leclerc made the one-stop work, as Leclerc took the chequered flag at Monza and sent the tifosi into raptures. Piastri and McLaren team-mate Lando Norris completed the podium.
Red Bull went with the alternate strategy, Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez starting on hard tyres in P7 and P8 respectively while the top six, heading by polesitter Norris, went with mediums.
Norris, it seemed, had banished the talk of start demons, but by the della Roggia chicane, team-mate Piastri forced his way into the lead, with Leclerc helping himself at the first Lesmo to dump Norris to P3.
By Lap 14, Norris had closed back within DRS range of Leclerc, but pitted on the following lap for hard tyres, clipping the bollard on entry to the pit lane for good measure.
Leclerc was in for hard tyres on Lap 16, with Norris and McLaren successfully pulling off the undercut and clearing Leclerc. Piastri pitted from the lead on the next lap for the hard rubber and retained that crucial track position over Norris and Leclerc, who was far from pleased about being undercut.
Red Bull committed to a two-stop with Verstappen by pitting him on Lap 23 for another set of hards, but a six-second stop did him no favours. It was a more respectable 2.8 seconds for Perez to take on another set of hards, with Verstappen narrowly staying ahead of his team-mate.
Norris made his second stop on Lap 33 – shortly after an off at the della Roggia chicane – for hard tyres. Lap 39 and Piastri boxed for his new set of hards, though a slow stop had brought Norris back into play.
However, Ferrari had the last laugh, springing a strategy surprise with the one-stop, which sealed the win for Leclerc on home soil for Ferrari, sending the tifosi wild.
The Race: A Tale of Two Strategies
The race unfolded as a fascinating duel between two different strategic approaches. While McLaren opted for a two-stop strategy, Ferrari made the daring gamble of going for a one-stop, a decision that paid off handsomely. Leclerc, in particular, showed incredible composure and tyre management skills to stay ahead of the chasing McLarens.
The race started with Norris taking the lead, but Piastri quickly asserted himself, overtaking his teammate at the della Roggia chicane. Leclerc then capitalized on the opportunity, moving into P2 at the first Lesmo.
The first set of pit stops saw McLaren successfully execute the undercut, putting Norris and Piastri ahead of Leclerc. However, Ferrari’s daring one-stop strategy proved to be a game changer. Leclerc’s decision to stay out longer on his first set of tyres paid off, as he emerged from the pits with a significant lead, ultimately securing the win.
McLaren’s Disappointment: A Lap One Mishap and a Lost Opportunity
McLaren's disappointment stemmed from a series of unfortunate events. Norris, in particular, faced a frustrating race, starting with a poor opening lap and a pit stop that saw him clip a bollard. His misfortune extended to the late stages of the race, as he made a mistake at the della Roggia chicane, losing precious time.
Despite their speed and a strong showing by Piastri, McLaren ultimately fell victim to Ferrari's strategic brilliance. The team’s drivers, particularly Norris, expressed their disappointment after the race, acknowledging Ferrari's superior strategy.
Leclerc's Triumph: A Home Win for the Ages
Leclerc’s victory was a heartwarming moment for Ferrari and their fans. The Monegasque driver, a favorite of the tifosi, celebrated his win with joyous passion, and his victory at Monza was a testament to his skill and determination.
His daring one-stop strategy, executed with finesse and precision, delivered a moment of pure racing magic. The victory was a reminder of Leclerc's immense talent and his ability to rise to the occasion on the biggest stage.
A New Champion Emerges?
The Italian Grand Prix also saw a significant shift in the championship standings. While Max Verstappen remained in the lead, Lando Norris closed the gap significantly, making a bold statement in the championship battle.
With eight races remaining, the championship fight is far from over. This season has been full of surprises, and the unpredictable nature of the championship makes it impossible to predict who will emerge victorious. The Italian Grand Prix was just another chapter in this thrilling race for the title.
The Tifosi Rejoice: A Victory for Passion and Tradition
The win at Monza was a moment of immense joy for Ferrari fans. The iconic Italian track witnessed a performance that resonated with the passion and history of Ferrari. The team's victory, achieved through a bold strategy and a driver who embodied the spirit of the Scuderia, was a fitting tribute to the legendary Italian marque.
It was a win that showcased the power of teamwork, strategy, and unwavering belief in the face of adversity. As the tifosi erupted in celebration, the world witnessed a thrilling spectacle of racing and a reminder of the enduring legacy of Ferrari in the sport.
