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Stark contrast: What happened at the 2023 Italian Grand Prix?
The 2024 Italian Grand Prix will take place at Monza this weekend, but 12 months ago, Max Verstappen managed to blow everyone's mind in Formula 1 with one of the most impressive individual records in history. At the temple of speed, Verstappen claimed his 10th consecutive win.
What happened at the 2023 Italian Grand Prix?
Carlos Sainz started in pole position alongside Verstappen, with every driver opting for starting the race on mediums except for Lewis 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.
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.
Apart from a brief moment following his pitstop, Verstappen never relinquished his first place in the race. Perez worked his way through the Ferrari cars to get himself into P2, giving Red Bull Racing the perfect result. Hamilton had a little tangle with Oscar Piastri, but the McLaren ended up securing his first fastest lap of his F1 career.
Verstappen breaks record after victory
The Monza Grand Prix marked Verstappen's 12th win in 2023. In doing so, the Dutchman broke a record by winning as many as 10 races in a row, between the 2023 Miami Grand Prix and the Italian Grand Prix. Never before had a driver achieved that feat. Sebastian Vettel achieved the previous best run of wins (9).
Going into Monza in 2024, Verstappen would love to have a streak like that, but instead, the Dutchman is running dry. He hasn't won a race since the Spanish Grand Prix in June, five Grands Prix weekends ago.
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