Max Verstappen wins Monza in record-breaking fashion, showing why he remains the benchmark in modern Formula 1. The Dutchman stormed to victory in the fastest ever race, leaving McLaren pair Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri chasing shadows.
A Lightning Start at Monza
When the lights went out, Verstappen reacted sharply from pole. Norris tried to challenge but ran onto the grass as the pair fought into Turn 1. Verstappen cut the chicane yet slowed to let Norris back ahead, avoiding potential penalties.
Behind them, Charles Leclerc launched his Ferrari past Oscar Piastri into third, while Mercedes and Aston Martin cars jostled in the midfield.
Strategic Brilliance from Verstappen
The early laps saw Norris briefly lead before Verstappen used DRS to reclaim first place. From then on, the Red Bull driver managed his pace superbly. By lap 10, he was already three seconds clear.
McLaren’s strategy relied on stretching their medium tyres, hoping for a safety car. Verstappen, however, stayed calm, extending his stint before pitting on lap 38. His stop was quick, and his pace on fresh hard tyres soon erased the gap.
McLaren’s Costly Pit Stop Drama
While Verstappen pushed forward, Norris and Piastri dived in for soft tyres. Norris suffered a slow stop, rejoining behind his teammate. Team orders then came into play as Piastri was asked to hand second place back, ensuring Norris finished ahead.
This internal shuffle mattered little up front. Verstappen’s pace was relentless, and with five laps remaining, he was untouchable.
Power and Performance on Display
Verstappen’s Red Bull RB20 combined raw speed with efficiency. His top speeds down Monza’s straights left rivals behind, while consistent lap times showed the car’s balance. McLaren proved competitive, but Verstappen’s execution made the difference.
A Memorable Finish
After just over 73 minutes, Verstappen crossed the line to secure his 66th career win. Norris claimed second, Piastri third, and Ferrari’s Leclerc delighted home fans with fourth. Russell and Hamilton followed for Mercedes, with Albon impressing in seventh for Williams.
The race will be remembered not only for its speed but also for the dominance Verstappen displayed. Once again, Monza crowned a driver who thrives under pressure.
Summary
Max Verstappen delivered a flawless performance at Monza, securing victory in Formula 1’s fastest race. While McLaren’s duo of Norris and Piastri impressed, Verstappen’s precision, strategy, and power proved unbeatable.
| Pos | Driver | Car |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | M. Verstappen | Red Bull |
| 2 | L. Norris | McLaren |
| 3 | O. Piastri | McLaren |
| 4 | C. Leclerc | Ferrari |
| 5 | G. Russell | Mercedes |
| 6 | L. Hamilton | Ferrari |
| 7 | A. Albon | Williams |
| 8 | G. Bortoleto | Kick Sauber |
| 9 | A.K. Antonelli | Mercedes |
| 10 | I. Hadjar | RB |
| 11 | C. Sainz Jr. | Williams |
| 12 | O. Bearman | Haas |
| 13 | Y. Tsunoda | Red Bull |
| 14 | L. Lawson | RB |
| 15 | E. Ocon | Haas |
| 16 | P. Gasly | Alpine |
| 17 | F. Colapinto | Alpine |
| 18 | L. Stroll | Aston Martin |
| 19 | F. Alonso | Aston Martin |
| 20 | N. Hülkenberg | Kick Sauber |
Disclaimer: All race results and details are based on official Formula 1 reporting and may be subject to final review by FIA.
