Charles Leclerc thrilled Ferrari fans with a surprise victory at the Italian Grand Prix on Sunday, sparking wild celebrations at Monza. The Monegasque driver finished 2.664 seconds ahead of McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, who had taken an early lead but was eventually overtaken due to Ferrari’s bold strategy. Leclerc’s win was a major upset as McLaren had been favored to win and potentially take the lead in the Formula One championship.
Leclerc’s victory was secured with a single pitstop, allowing him to nurse his hard tyres for 38 of the 53 laps. As he crossed the finish line, Leclerc’s excitement was evident as he shouted “Mamma Mia, Mamma Mia” over the team radio. The victory was especially sweet as former Italy soccer player Alessandro Del Piero waved the chequered flag, and a sea of Ferrari fans in red shirts and flags flooded the track to celebrate.
“It’s an incredible feeling,” Leclerc said after the race. “Winning at Monza and Monaco in the same year is so, so special.”
Oscar Piastri, who had led the race after passing teammate Lando Norris on the first lap, finished in second place but expressed disappointment, saying the defeat “hurt.” Norris, who started from pole position, ended up third and earned a bonus point for the fastest lap. However, McLaren’s hopes of overtaking Red Bull in the championship were dashed, and they are now eight points behind.
The race strategy played a crucial role in the outcome. Piastri and Norris both made two pitstops, while Leclerc’s one-stop strategy allowed him to maintain the lead. McLaren’s early decision to pit Piastri on lap 39 and Norris on lap 32 backfired, raising questions about the team’s tactics and priorities.
Carlos Sainz finished fourth for Ferrari, while Lewis Hamilton, who is set to join Ferrari in the future, finished fifth for Mercedes. George Russell, who started third, ended up in seventh place after running off track at the start and damaging his car. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who had been expected to challenge for the win, finished in sixth place, leaving him 62 points ahead of Norris in the championship standings.
Sergio Perez of Red Bull finished eighth, while Alex Albon secured ninth place for Williams. Kevin Magnussen finished 10th for Haas, despite receiving a 10-second penalty for causing a collision, which also resulted in an automatic ban for the next race in Baku.
Leclerc’s victory at Monza marks his second win of the season, further solidifying his status as a top contender in Formula One and giving Ferrari fans plenty to celebrate.
