In a sensational display of talent and tenacity, Max Verstappen secured his 10th consecutive Formula 1 victory at the Italian Grand Prix, etching his name into the annals of racing history. The Red Bull maestro’s remarkable feat surpasses Sebastian Vettel’s record, sending shockwaves through the F1 world and solidifying Verstappen’s status as an undeniable force.
As the Monza circuit buzzed with anticipation, Verstappen faced the daunting task of chasing down pole-sitter Carlos Sainz. With nerves of steel and the roar of his trusted steed in his ears, Verstappen relentlessly pursued the Ferrari driver. Lap after lap, the Dutchman applied pressure until Sainz, succumbing to the relentless onslaught, made a crucial mistake at the iconic first chicane on Lap 15.
With the precision of a surgeon, Verstappen executed a breath-taking overtake around the outside of the Curva Grande, sending shockwaves of elation through the Red Bull garage and his legion of fans worldwide. From that moment on, he never looked back, stretching his lead and leaving no doubt that he was destined for greatness.
The race behind Verstappen was no less exhilarating. Teammate Sergio Perez showcased his skills, claiming the runner-up spot, securing Red Bull’s sixth one-two finish of the season, and ensuring their dominance at the home track of the Scuderia Ferrari.
Meanwhile, Sainz and Charles Leclerc staged a Ferrari intra-team thriller, battling wheel-to-wheel for the final podium position. The intensity reached its climax as Leclerc locked up into the first chicane on the last lap, handing the advantage to his teammate, Sainz. The tifosi in the grandstands couldn’t have asked for a more heart-pounding spectacle.
While Verstappen and Red Bull soared to victory, Mercedes endured a rollercoaster ride. George Russell and Lewis Hamilton secured a double points finish, demonstrating their resilience despite both drivers being slapped with five-second time penalties. Russell’s penalty was for a track limits violation during a tussle with Esteban Ocon, while Hamilton’s was the result of a clash with McLaren’s Oscar Piastri.
Further down the grid, Alex Albon flew the flag for Williams, seizing seventh place while fending off Lando Norris’s McLaren in a thrilling duel. Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso and Alfa Romeo’s Valtteri Bottas rounded out the top 10, capping off a dramatic day at Monza.
For young Liam Lawson, standing in for Daniel Ricciardo at AlphaTauri, the points remained just out of reach. Nonetheless, he showcased promise, finishing just shy of the top 10. Meanwhile, Williams rookie Logan Sargeant faced disappointment after a collision with Bottas and a subsequent penalty, ultimately settling for 13th place.
As the chequered flag waved at Monza, two drivers failed to make it to the finish line. Esteban Ocon retired late in the race for Alpine, while Yuki Tsunoda’s AlphaTauri succumbed to an engine failure on the formation lap, leaving him sidelined before the race even began.
With Monza’s unforgettable spectacle now behind us, the Formula 1 circus moves to the dazzling Marina Bay for the Singapore Grand Prix from September 15-17.