Ferrari pulled off a bold strategy call at its home race in Italy to secure its third win of the season. The McLaren duo joined Leclerc on the podium with Oscar Piastri finishing second (+2.664s) and polesitter Lando Norris claiming the final podium position.
- Verstappen finishes P6
- Kevin Magnussen to miss Azerbaijan GP due to penalty accumulation
Leclerc wins Ferrari’s home race
Lando Norris lost the lead in the opening lap after starting from pole position as Oscar Piastri pulled off an aggressive but clean move at the second chicane to get into the lead. The McLarens showed strong pace throughout the race, however, while Piastri pitted for a second time during the 39th lap, Leclerc continued on a one-stop strategy and inherited the lead, ultimately winning Ferrari’s home race this season.
Championship leader Max Verstappen finished in P6 after qualifying in P7. Post-race, he admitted that Red Bull should "change the whole car" if they want to be competitive once again.
Kevin Magnussen will miss the next race at Baku after the stewards deemed him responsible for a clash with Pierre Gasly. The Danish driver has now accumulated 12 penalty points, the maximum allowed before being penalised with a one-race ban. It remains to be seen who will replace him at the next race.
2024 Formula 1 championship standings
Both McLarens finished above the Red Bulls and the championship gap is now down to eight points. Lando Norris also closed his gap to Verstappen; it currently stands at 62 points, with eight races to go. Formula 1 races in Azerbaijan next from September 13-15.
Unnatee Gidithuri
Dipan Sur
