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Formula One returns to the famed Cathedral of Speed at the legendary Autodromo Nazionale Monza for the Italian Grand Prix, and there is one question on everyone’s mind: can Max Verstappen win 10 in a row? Join The Roar for live blog coverage and lap-by-lap update from 10:50pm (AEST).
The reigning world champion again starred at his home Dutch Grand Prix last weekend, where his sensational win in changeable conditions saw him equal Sebastian Vettel’s 2013 record of most consecutive wins in a single season.
Now the Dutchman is on the cusp of claiming the record outright, if he can go back-to-back at Monza and not befall the curse that has plagued winners of the recent past, in the year following their win.
Since Charles Leclerc’s famous win for Ferrari in front of the adoring Tifosi in 2019, then crashing out at Parabolica the following year – has the winner of the Italian Grand Prix gone on to not finish the next time.
All that aside, Red Bull still have the optimal package and are still a cut above in terms of their race pace as demonstrated in practice. The 5.7km power circuit leans heavily towards top speed and little downforce, which Red Bull have plenty to spare.
But across the 53-laps can there be a surprise? Or will the likes of Ferrari, Mercedes, McLaren, Aston Martin and even the Williams of Alex Albon be only realistically duking it out between themselves for second best to Verstappen.
Ferrari stunned in qualifying, as Carlos Sainz claimed a special pole position in front of packed grandstands. He edged out Verstappen by 0.013-seconds, while teammate Leclerc was only 0.067-second behind.
Monza typically hasn’t been a track hard on the Pirelli tyres in recent years. Even with the softest allocation in their range, will a one-stop race be the quickest strategy. Though it would be remiss to rule out a Safety Car – which has featured the last two years, including the controversial run to the checquered flag under the Safety Car last year.
A Verstappen win just seems inevitable and it would be wrong not want to ride the train as he and Red Bull rewrite Formula One and that starts with what could be a tenth consecutive win and breaking the Monza curse. But with a Ferrari on pole, the hopes of a nation will lie with Sainz.
Lights out: 11pm (AEST)
Venue: Autodromo Nazionale Monza, Italy
TV: Fox Sports
Online: Kayo Sports
Grid
1. Carlos Sainz (Ferrari), 2. Max Verstappen (Red Bull), 3. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari), 4. George Russell (Mercedes), 5. Sergio Perez (Red Bull), 6. Alexander Albon (Williams), 7. Oscar Piastri (McLaren), 8. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes), 9. Lando Norris (McLaren), 10. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin), 11. Yuki Tsunoda (AlphaTauri), 12. Liam Lawson (AlphaTauri), 13. Nico Hülkenberg (Haas), 14. Valtteri Bottas (Alfa Romeo), 15. Logan Sargeant (Williams), 16. Guanyu Zhou (Alfa Romeo), 17. Pierre Gasly (Alpine), 18. Esteban Ocon (Alpine), 19. Kevin Magnussen (Haas), 20. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)
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