Daijiworld Media Network - Monza

Monza, Sep 7: Max Verstappen showcased his relentless form yet again, claiming a commanding win at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza on Sunday, as early-race drama and mid-race team orders added spice to the McLaren camp.

Starting from pole position, Verstappen was immediately challenged by Lando Norris, the McLaren driver pulling alongside down the main straight. But the Red Bull champion cut the first chicane to hold the lead. In a bid to dodge a penalty, Verstappen tactically handed the position back to Norris on Lap 2 — only to reclaim it within two laps and begin his unchallenged march to victory.

From that point onward, it was business as usual for the reigning world champion. Verstappen pitted early, built a comfortable gap, and received consistent instructions from his Red Bull engineers to avoid unnecessary risks — which he heeded as he crossed the finish line well ahead of the field.

But the battle behind him was anything but calm.

McLaren’s own race strategy turned heads when a sluggish pit stop for Norris dropped him behind teammate Oscar Piastri, who found himself in second. The team then issued controversial instructions for a position swap. While Piastri questioned the decision, he eventually moved aside, allowing Norris to reclaim second and continue his championship fight.

Piastri took the final podium place, his third-place finish trimming his championship lead over Norris from 34 to 31 points. Just behind them, Charles Leclerc finished a distant fourth, unable to deliver the podium that the passionate Tifosi had hoped for on Ferrari’s home soil.

George Russell secured fifth for Mercedes after a steady drive, while Lewis Hamilton recovered from a grid penalty to finish sixth and bring home more points for the Silver Arrows.

Further down the order, Alex Albon delivered once again for Williams, climbing to seventh after a challenging qualifying session. He was followed by Gabriel Bortoleto in the Kick Sauber and Kimi Antonelli in the second Mercedes — the young Italian managing ninth despite a time penalty for erratic driving.

Isack Hadjar impressed with a stunning recovery from a pit lane start to grab the final point in 10th, holding off Carlos Sainz and Ollie Bearman, who made contact late in the race at the Roggia chicane. Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson rounded out the midfield pack.

Esteban Ocon received a penalty for forcing Lance Stroll off track early in the race and finished 15th, followed by Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto in a lacklustre afternoon for Alpine.

Aston Martin’s day started promisingly with both cars in the points early on, but Stroll faded late, and Fernando Alonso was forced to retire with a suspected suspension failure. Meanwhile, Nico Hulkenberg failed to start the race altogether due to a hydraulics issue.

As Verstappen continues to extend his dominance in the championship, McLaren’s internal dynamics and Ferrari’s home disappointment made for a compelling backdrop to yet another Verstappen masterclass at Monza.