Charles Leclerc returned Ferrari to the top of the podium at the historic Monza circuit on Sunday, clinching victory in the Italian Grand Prix and thrilling a sea of passionate Tifosi.
It marked Leclerc’s second triumph at Monza, adding to his 2019 win and reigniting hope among Ferrari fans amid a competitive Formula One season.
Leclerc executed a masterful strategy, opting for a single pit stop on lap 16, where he switched to hard tyres.
This gamble paid off, as he expertly managed his tyres to fend off challenges from McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, both of whom were gunning for their own chances at victory. Piastri, who had a bold start, even momentarily seized the lead with an impressive overtaking move before settling for second place.
Norris, who started from pole position, clocked the fastest lap of the race but ultimately finished in third, leaving him disappointed despite contributing valuable points in his pursuit of reigning champion Max Verstappen.
With this podium, Norris has narrowed the gap to Verstappen’s lead in the drivers’ championship to 62 points.
Verstappen’s struggles continued as he crossed the line in sixth place, nearly 38 seconds behind Leclerc.
After an exceptional opening to the season, where he claimed seven victories in the first ten races, Verstappen’s drought has now stretched to six races without a win. His and Red Bull’s once-dominant form appears to be faltering as the season enters its closing stretch.
