Max Verstappen Dominates Italian GP, McLaren Faces Team Order Backlash

Max Verstappen clinched a record-breaking victory at the Italian Grand Prix, demonstrating Red Bull's resurgence. He completed the 53 laps in a mere 73 minutes, almost 20 seconds ahead of his closest rivals, the McLarens.

Why it matters: Verstappen's dominance signals Red Bull's return to top form, potentially influencing the remainder of the season despite him being out of the title fight.

The big picture: While Verstappen shone, McLaren faced controversy. A slow pit stop for Lando Norris led to Oscar Piastri being instructed to cede second place. This decision sparked debate over team orders, especially when it stemmed from a team error.

Winners and Losers

• Winner: Max Verstappen. Unstoppable throughout the weekend, securing his 66th career victory. A new floor on the RB21 significantly boosted Red Bull's confidence.
• Loser: McLaren. Controversial team orders after Norris's slow pit stop forced Piastri to return second position. Questions arose about the team's decision-making and its unusual lack of dominance.
• Winner: Lewis Hamilton. Enjoyed a strong Ferrari debut at Monza, securing immense Tifosi support. Despite a grid penalty, he recovered from 10th to 6th, showing promising pace and solidifying his connection with the fans.
• Loser: Alpine. Struggled significantly, with both Franco Colapinto and Pierre Gasly exiting in Q1. Gasly finished 16th and Colapinto 17th, highlighting Alpine's ongoing difficulties at the bottom of the constructors' standings.
• Winner: Gabriel Bortoleto. A standout performance from Bortoleto saw him qualify 8th and finish 8th for Sauber, showcasing excellent defensive skills against Fernando Alonso. His consistent growth makes him a strong contender for 'rookie of the year.'
• Loser: Nico Hulkenberg. His race ended before it began due to a hydraulics issue, preventing him from starting. He also struggled to match his rookie teammate's pace throughout the weekend.