The 2021 Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix came to an abrupt halt for the championship leaders as they both ended up colliding with each other. This resulted in a Daniel Ricciardo victory, which would be his first with McLaren.
McLaren were the real winners here at Monza as they finished the race with both their drivers on the podium. Ricciardo won his first Grand Prix with McLaren and Lando Norris had the best race finish of his career. Lando finished 2nd behind Ricciardo for the 5th podium finish of his career.
Lewis Hamilton, as he exited the pits, was met with his championship challenger, Max Verstappen. On the 26th lap of the Grand Prix, Verstappen and Hamilton ended up making contact. Verstappen’s car flew in the air as Lewis makes an escape from a fatal injury with the help of the Halo.
Valtteri Bottas filled up the last open podium spot as he started from the bottom due to a power unit penalty. Bottas went from 19th to 3rd in a matter of 53 laps. Bottas will be leaving Mercedes at the end of this Formula 1 season as George Russell joins the Silver Arrows for 2022.
Verstappen’s pitstop troubles resulted in him landing up behind Lewis Hamilton
The cars had a free tyre choice for the race due to the Sprint Qualifying format. As a result, everyone except Lewis Hamilton was on Mediums in the top 10. Hamilton decided to go with the hards as he had 2 sets of softs in the bag for later on.
Verstappen had a great start to the Grand Prix, as he was on the pole. Valtteri Bottas won the sprint but was made to go last as a result of an engine penalty. Verstappen’s clean start was overshadowed by Daniel Ricciardo as he phenomenally overtook the Dutchman to lead a race for the first time since 2018.
Lewis Hamilton also had a great start as he overtook Lando Norris for the third spot. The Brit then decided to go for his Championship rival in the second spot. Lewis failed to make a move as he decided to push back and Lando took his third spot back.
Giovinazzi received a 5-second penalty for an unsafe entry on the track as he was spun. After 10 laps, Ricciardo had a firm lead as Lando was holding Hamilton at bay. The McLarens were in control of the race, as Valtteri Bottas was making his way up the ladder from 19th.
Ricciardo consolidated his lead after Lewis’ collision with Verstappen
Lewis decided to pit on lap 24. As a result, he came out just in front of Max Verstappen. As the pair went in for a battle, they made contact. Verstappen’s Red Bull was launched into the air as it landed on Lewis Hamilton’s helmet. Lewis Hamilton, saved by the halo as well as Max Verstappen was out of the race.
This was Lewis’ first retirement in 72 races as he last retired out of a race in the Austrian Grand Prix in 2018. With the protagonists of the 2021 Formula 1 season out, the race was wide open for the rest. As a result, Charles Leclerc saw an opportunity and he took it. Leclerc after pitting in the safety car was second. As a result, Lando Norris had to work extra hard to get his spot back.
Sergio Perez received a 5-second penalty for his manoeuvres on the track. Perez as a result finished fifth. Lando Norris was told not to go for his first race win by the McLaren team. As it could end up compromising the 1-2 which McLaren have been waiting for a long time.
George Russell, who was unable to score points in Zandvoort finished 9th at Monza for two points. Antonio Giovinazzi, however, was again unable to score any points as he had his second Q3 appearance of the season.
