Max Verstappen secured victory at the Italian Grand Prix, extending his championship lead in a race marked by strategic team orders at McLaren. The Red Bull driver finished ahead of Lando Norris, who was allowed too pass teammate Oscar Piastri in the closing laps, securing a one-two finish for the team.
The result at Monza has significant implications for both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships, further solidifying Verstappen’s dominance and boosting McLaren’s challenge to Red Bull. This tactical decision by McLaren highlights the complex dynamics within the team as they aim to close the gap to thier rivals.
Verstappen initially faced a challenge from Norris at the start, briefly being pushed onto the grass while defending the lead into the first corner, and then cutting the chicane while braking too late. the incident drew immediate attention from race stewards, prompting intervention from the Red Bull pit wall.
Piastri enjoyed a strong start, but a challenge for position was quickly countered by Charles Leclerc, who passed the McLaren driver on the exit of Turn One. Piastri responded with a bold move around the outside of Turn Four, attempting to regain the position.
However, a subsequent error into Turn One allowed Leclerc to pass Piastri again, this time through Curva grande, forcing Piastri to abandon a counter-attack into the second chicane. Piastri eventually overtook Leclerc at Turn One on lap five, establishing a more stable order.
By lap five, Piastri trailed Norris by 3.5 seconds, a gap that continued to widen as the race progressed. Leclerc maintained a comfortable fourth position, unchallenged by George Russell in fifth.
Lewis Hamilton, making his debut race for Ferrari at Monza after starting tenth due to a five-place grid penalty, delivered a strong performance to finish sixth. Alex Albon of Williams secured seventh place, ahead of Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber), Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes), and Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls).
