Ferrari Ends Five-Year Wait for Italian GP Victory: Charles Leclerc Triumphs with Bold One-Stop Strategy at Monza
Ferrari finally ended their five-year drought at the Italian Grand Prix as Charles Leclerc executed a daring one-stop strategy to secure a thrilling victory at Monza. Leclerc’s remarkable drive saw him hold off the two-stopping McLaren duo, crossing the finish line 2.6 seconds ahead of Oscar Piastri, with Lando Norris taking the third spot on the podium.
Ferrari’s Strategic Masterstroke
The race at Monza began with McLaren appearing to have a firm grip on the top two positions. Lando Norris made an explosive start off the line, while his teammate, Oscar Piastri, immediately launched a bold attack, moving across the track not to protect Norris but to challenge him for the lead. This aggressive move forced George Russell wide, pushing him onto the gravel and sending him down the escape road.
Piastri’s maneuver worked to perfection as he claimed the lead at the second chicane, with Charles Leclerc capitalizing on the situation to move into second place. Carlos Sainz, driving the other Ferrari, also benefited from the chaos, advancing to fourth place as the race began to heat up.
Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton Battle for Position
Further down the order, Max Verstappen found himself in a tense battle with Lewis Hamilton. Verstappen expressed his frustration over the limited space Hamilton left him, recalling a previous incident where he had been penalized for a similar move. The pair occupied P5 and P6 in the early stages of the race, both staying ahead of Russell. Meanwhile, Sergio Perez, running behind Russell, voiced concerns about potential damage on the Mercedes, describing it as “dangerous.”
Incidents Shake Up the Midfield
The midfield saw its fair share of drama as well, with Daniel Ricciardo and Nico Hulkenberg getting involved in a contentious incident. Hulkenberg, who had started in P9, dropped to 16th after a clash with Ricciardo. This incident earned Ricciardo a five-second penalty for squeezing Hulkenberg, who later received a harsher 10-second penalty for a separate collision with Yuki Tsunoda. Unfortunately, Tsunoda’s race ended prematurely due to irreparable damage to his VCARB, forcing him to retire just eight laps in.
Leclerc’s One-Stop Strategy Pays Off
As the race progressed, Ferrari’s strategic gamble began to pay dividends. While McLaren opted for a two-stop strategy, Ferrari placed their faith in a one-stop plan for Leclerc. This required impeccable tire management and flawless execution from the Ferrari driver, and Leclerc delivered. Despite relentless pressure from Piastri in the closing laps, Leclerc managed to maintain his lead, taking the chequered flag and securing a long-awaited victory for Ferrari at their home Grand Prix.
McLaren’s Missed Opportunity
For McLaren, the race was a story of what could have been. Both Piastri and Norris showed impressive pace throughout the race, but their two-stop strategy ultimately cost them the win. Nonetheless, securing second and third places was still a strong result, demonstrating McLaren’s competitive edge this season.
Ferrari’s Return to Glory at Monza
Ferrari’s victory at Monza was more than just a win; it was a powerful statement of their resilience and strategic acumen. The passionate Tifosi, who had packed the grandstands, erupted in celebration as Leclerc crossed the line, marking a triumphant return to the top step of the podium for Ferrari at their home race. The victory not only ended a five-year wait but also reaffirmed Ferrari’s place among the elite teams in Formula 1.
