Max Verstappen secured an impressive victory at the Italian GP. But what about the other drivers and their teams?
The Italian Grand Prix delivered a spectacular scenario, especially with the overwhelming victory of Max Verstappen. He completely dominated the race at Monza and left his rivals far behind. His triumph was impressive not only because of the final gap, but also because of the control he displayed throughout the entire weekend.
How did Max Verstappen build this dominant victory?
Right from the start, tension was high between Verstappen and Lando Norris. The Dutch driver briefly gave up the lead before reclaiming it. That quick duel set the tone for a race that would ultimately swing in his favor.
Once in front, Max Verstappen pulled away lap after lap and maintained a steady gap until he sealed the victory. He managed his pace with clinical precision, while his rivals struggled to keep up with the relentless rhythm imposed by Red Bull. The final gap, nearly twenty seconds, perfectly illustrated his dominance.
This victory carries a special significance. It marked Verstappen’s return to the top step after several months. The champion reminded everyone that he remains the ultimate benchmark on fast tracks like Monza.
What does this mean for McLaren after the Italian Grand Prix?
Lando Norris finished second, ahead of his teammate Oscar Piastri. They were the two drivers behind Max Verstappen after his victory. However, the team’s internal hierarchy caused some tension within the British squad. McLaren asked Piastri to give up his position to Norris, a team order that didn’t sit well with everyone.
This strategic choice reignited debates about fairness between teammates. Norris had lost time due to a botched pit stop, but the team decided to restore the original order to maximize its championship chances. A frustrated Piastri later voiced his displeasure over the radio following Max Verstappen’s victory.
With this episode, McLaren walks away with big points, but also with questions about how it manages its drivers. Meanwhile, Verstappen’s success highlighted the limitations of McLaren compared to a perfectly tuned Red Bull.
What about Ferrari and the other teams at Monza?
At home, Ferrari was hoping to shine in front of the tifosi. Charles Leclerc gave it his all, but ultimately had to settle for fourth after a fierce battle with Piastri. The atmosphere in the stands was electric, but the podium slipped away from the Scuderia.
Lewis Hamilton, penalized on the starting grid, delivered a strong comeback. Of course, it wasn’t enough to challenge Max Verstappen for victory. Still, the British driver finished sixth after overtaking several rivals in the opening laps. His solid race helped limit the damage for his team.
Further down the order, it was a difficult outing for Aston Martin. Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso struggled to find pace, with the Spaniard even retiring. This stark contrast to Verstappen’s dominance underscored the wide performance gap between the teams.
