In the 2024 Italian Grand Prix at Monza, this race was an electric one, and the Ferrari of Charles Leclerc was crowned champion by a houseful of enthusiastic supporters. Leclerc’s victory was also an important result for Ferrari as they had won at home for the first time since 2019 with pole position and Leclerc’s strategy was flawless, managing his tyres in a one-stop finish to take top spot on the podium.
McLaren’s Lando Norris set the fastest time of the race (lap 53 1:21.432), but eventually placed second and maintained his good form for the season. Max Verstappen, who leads the drivers’ championship currently, was third. Even on the podium Verstappen never got within striking distance of winning, the Monza circuit being a test for his Red Bull car.
The race didn’t come without reprimands and drama. Daniel Ricciardo had been given a five-second suspension for pulling another driver off the track and another 10 for misfiring the first that hindered him on the track. Kevin Magnussen was also sent home for 10 seconds for crashing Pierre Gasly and is disqualified from next race following his 12 penalty points.
This also harmed the builder’s championship, which now falls to Ferrari at Monza rather than McLaren or Red Bull who remain in charge of the 2024 standings. Leclerc’s triumph restored hope for Ferrari at home, as they cheered their team back into form.
