Verstappen wins record-breaking tenth race in a row at Monza, Perez P2

Max Verstappen won the Italian Grand Prix quite comfortably once again at Monza and now has the record for most race wins in a row. The defending champion had to work hard to overtake pole-sitter Carlos Sainz, but once he overtook the Ferrari on Lap 15, he disappeared into the distance at the front.

After an exciting battle for the last two podium positions, Perez finished in second place and Carlos Sainz completed the podium. Out of all the action, first, Leclerc pushed off Perez on Lap 32, then Sainz left no room for the Mexican into Turn 1 on back-to-back laps. The Red Bull driver finally completed his move for P2 on Lap 45, then on Lap 47, the two Ferraris almost crashed out into the Roggia corners. During the final laps of the race, they came close again to making contact again, but the Monegasque driver could not step on the podium this Sunday.

George Russell had a calmer race after he did well on his opening stint, and while he got a 5-second penalty for overtaking Esteban Ocon by cutting the first chicane, he comfortably finished in the top 5. Lewis Hamilton finished in P6, after the Briton got a 5-second penalty for causing a collision with Oscar Piastri, but he could also build a gap big enough to hold on to his position.

Alexander Albon did well to finish in P7 ahead of Lando Norris and Fernando Alonso. The last points-paying position went to Valtteri Bottas, and the fastest lap of the race was set by Oscar Piastri, but the Australian finished outside of the points.

The Start

Carlos Sainz started in pole position alongside Verstappen, with every driver opting for starting the race on mediums except for Hamilton, Valtteri Bottas, and Nico Hülkenberg. Yuki Tsunoda’s race was already over before it began, as the Japanese had to park his car during the formation lap.

After Tsunoda’s AlphaTauri was taken off the track causing a 20-minute delay, the race got underway without any incidents. Sainz did well to defend off Verstappen, and Leclerc could not try to overtake the defending champion and instead had to focus on defending P3 against Russell. Nico Hulkenberg gained the most places after the start, getting up to P10 on the opening lap.

Verstappen’s first move in the opening laps on Sainz was not successful, as the Spaniard defended his lead fiercely. The Dutchman eventually passed the Ferrari on Lap 15, after Sainz locked up into Turn 1. Verstappen finished his manoeuvre off into the Roggia corners.

Perez also had to work hard to overtake George Russell. The Mexican, first, was the closest to pass the Mercedes on Lap 14, but he had to give the position back after he cut the first chicane. He could finally overtake the British driver on Lap 16.

The Pit Stops

At the front, Carlos Sainz was the first to stop on Lap 19, after his tyres were overused in competing against Verstappen. Russell also pitted on the same lap, after he previously commented over the team radio that he thinks the undercut will be powerful. Verstappen and Leclerc pitted a lap later. The Red Bull could stay ahead of Sainz, but Leclerc rejoined the track only behind his teammate.

Sergio Perez pit on Lap 21, but could not overcut the two Ferraris. Russell later also got a penalty for cutting Turn 2 after he rejoined on the track, while after Oscar Piastri exited the pit lane, he made contact with Norris into Turn 1.