Verstappen Dominates Monza; McLaren's Pit Stop Drama and Team Order Stir Controversy

Max Verstappen secured a commanding victory at the Italian Grand Prix, but McLaren faced internal strife with a botched pit stop and a controversial team order for Lando Norris.

Verstappen's Unchallenged Dominance

The "Temple of Speed" at Monza became Max Verstappen's stage. The Red Bull star cruised to victory with a nearly 20-second lead. He briefly conceded the lead to Lando Norris (McLaren) at the start after an aggressive move into Turn 1, which Norris described as "What an idiot" over the radio. However, Verstappen quickly regained control, managing the race with ease throughout.

McLaren's Internal Struggle

Behind Verstappen, an intense internal battle unfolded at McLaren. Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, employing an alternative strategy, tried to challenge, but Verstappen's superior top speed proved insurmountable. Norris ultimately finished second, with Piastri in third.

Pit Stop Drama and Controversial Team Order

The real drama occurred in the pits. After a flawed pit stop for Norris on Lap 46, Piastri unexpectedly found himself ahead of his teammate. McLaren intervened, issuing a team order for the two to swap positions.

Piastri protested over team radio, questioning the decision given their agreement on race incidents. However, the team remained firm: "Let Lando by. After that, you are free to race." Piastri, despite his frustration, complied, allowing Norris to pass. This incident sparked a déjà vu for many fans, recalling similar discussions at last year's Hungarian Grand Prix. Verstappen, meanwhile, was oblivious to the internal strife, cruising to his undisturbed victory.

Other Highlights and Retirements

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc started strong but faded, settling for fourth. George Russell (Mercedes) secured fifth, while Lewis Hamilton mounted a strong comeback from tenth on the grid to finish sixth, offering a small consolation to the Tifosi.

Rounding out the top ten were Alexander Albon (Williams), rookie sensation Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber), Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes), and Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls).

Nico Hülkenberg (Sauber) had a bitter start, unable to even begin the Grand Prix due to a hydraulic problem reported during the warm-up lap. Veteran Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) also retired on Lap 27 after suspension damage following a ride over the kerbs at Ascari.

Race Results

1. Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing)
2. Lando Norris (McLaren)
3. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
4. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
5. George Russell (Mercedes)
6. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)
7. Alexander Albon (Williams)
8. Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber)
9. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)
10. Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls)

Retired:

• Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)
• Nico Hülkenberg (Sauber)