Max Verstappen wins the Italian Grand Prix in Monza; First GP win since May

Max Verstappen returned to winning ways on Sunday with a dominant performance at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza. The reigning champion started the race in pole position and dominated the race from the beginning to the end to pick up his first win since the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in May.

It is the third time that Verstappen has won the race in Monza. The 27-year-old also won the race in 2022 and 2023. He remains in third place in the season standings with the victory, his points tally now at 230, behind Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris.

The race started with another battle between Verstappen and Norris, who began in second place. Both drivers were forced off track in the first lap, with Verstappen then having to give the first place back after his team had instructed him to do so.

Norris’ lead did not last long. Verstappen was able to overtake the British driver again on the fourth lap.

It was clear from that moment that Verstappen was dominant. His superior speed resulted in a five-second lead over Norris in the 19th lap.

This was how most of the race went. Verstappen had his first pitstop on the 38th lap, changing to hard tires. This made no difference to the race as Verstappen calmly completed the race with a comfortable win.

It is Verstappen’s first win under the guidance of Laurent Mekies since his appointment as Red Bull team principal. It is the third race victory for Verstappen this season. He had already won in Japan in April, prior to the two victories in Italy.

The F1 drivers have a weekend off next week. The next race in the season is the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on September 21.