Daily News 19

Tag: Italian Grand Prix

  • Audi to Appeal Yuki Tsunoda’s Italian GP Result

    Audi to Appeal Yuki Tsunoda’s Italian GP Result

    The Audi Formula 1 team will proceed with its appeal against the stewards’ decision not to penalize Yuki Tsunoda for causing an extra formation lap at the Italian Grand Prix, Motorsport.com understands.

    Tsunoda’s Grid Alignment Triggers Aborted Start

    The incident occurred at the start of the Monza race when race director Rui Marques aborted the initial formation lap. Marques was not comfortable with the way the Japanese driver lined up in his grid box, angled towards the pit wall. The FIA race stewards reviewed the incident after the race but decided against issuing the customary stop-and-go penalty, which would have been converted into a 30-second time penalty.

    Regulation Article B5.9.4 Central to Dispute

    The appeal hinges on Article B5.9.4 of the F1 2026 sporting regulations, which states:

    “any driver who caused an extra formation lap, and is then able to start the, or any subsequent, extra formation lap must enter the pitlane at the end of the lap and must start… from the end of the pitlane.”

    Tsunoda’s Racing Bulls team argued that its driver was not out of his grid slot and did not impact his competitors. Race director Marques also explained that he acted out of an abundance of caution. Consequently, the team had not been notified by race control that Tsunoda was the cause of the extra formation lap, so it had no reason to instruct its driver to start from the pit exit.

    Stewards’ Interpretation and Audi’s Counter-Argument

    The stewards agreed with Racing Bulls’ interpretation of the rules. However, Audi promptly lodged an intention to appeal. The German manufacturer was directly affected by the non-penalty, as Gabriel Bortoleto finished 11th—one position behind Tsunoda—and would be promoted into a points-paying position if the verdict is overturned.

    By notifying the FIA of its intention to appeal, Audi secured a 96-hour window to study the rulebook, build a case, and decide whether to proceed. That window closes on Thursday night, and sources have now confirmed that Audi will follow through with the appeal procedure.

    Seeking Clarity for Future Precedent

    It is understood that Audi views the rulebook as unambiguous regarding penalties for causing an extra formation lap. The team argues that because the race director felt Tsunoda’s start position was sufficient reason to abort the start, Tsunoda should have been required to start from the pitlane regardless of the team’s notification status.

    Whether or not the appeal succeeds in overturning the decision, Audi is keen to obtain formal clarification from the race stewards to establish a clear precedent for future occasions. The FIA has yet to set a date for the appeal hearing.

  • On This Day: Michael Schumacher Wins and Stuns Tifosi with F1 Retirement

    On This Day: Michael Schumacher Wins and Stuns Tifosi with F1 Retirement

    September 10, 2006, stands as one of the most consequential days in Formula 1 history. At Monza, seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher announced his retirement moments after claiming a dominant victory at the Italian Grand Prix.

    Schumacher Dominates at Monza Before Shock Announcement

    The Ferrari driver qualified just 0.002 seconds behind McLaren’s Kimi Raikkonen in front of the passionate tifosi, though Schumacher was running a heavier fuel load. He pitted two laps later, emerged in the lead, and was never challenged, crossing the finish line eight seconds ahead of the Finn. Teammate Felipe Massa finished a distant ninth.

    The win marked Schumacher’s 11th victory on Italian soil—counting races at both Monza and Imola—and would prove to be his last triumph in Italy. With all eyes on him in the post-race press conference, he delivered the highly scrutinized news.

    “There has been a lot of discussion for a lot of time, what concerns my future and so on, and I think all the fans, all the motorsport-interested people have a right to be explained what’s going to happen,” the German said.
    “I am sorry it may [have taken] longer than some of you wanted, but you have to find the right moment, and we feel this is the right moment.
    “To make it short, in a way, this is going to be my last Monza race I’m going to do. At the end of this year, I have decided together with the team that I am going to retire from racing.”

    Context Behind the Decision: Raikkonen Signed, Massa’s Future at Stake

    The timing surprised many. At 37, Schumacher was still performing at a remarkable level, battling Fernando Alonso for a record-extending eighth world title. However, months earlier, Raikkonen had already signed with Ferrari for 2007, leaving Schumacher with two options: stay at the expense of the young Massa, or step aside.

    “It has been such a good time for all this time and there is no point to just hang in and may take away a future of a young talented driver like Felipe,” he went on to explain. “Obviously my replacement [i.e. Raikkonen] I was aware of this for quite a long time and for Felipe it was around Indianapolis that his future had to be decided, and I did not see a reason to just hang in and take away his opportunity. I think he is a talented and great person.”

    Schumacher finalized his decision around the United States Grand Prix weekend (June 30 – July 2), well ahead of the traditional Monza announcement—a choice that proved bittersweet for Ferrari chairman Luca di Montezemolo.

    “Truth be told, I was hoping he’d do perhaps one more year,” Fiat chairman Luca di Montezemolo said of his superstar. “He told me a few weeks ago. In the month of August I worked a lot on the organisation and on the future of Ferrari, independently from the drivers. He was sad but very, very determined.
    “Then there was all the talk – do we announce it at Monza, or at the end of the year? It was becoming too big. It’s better now that it’s been announced.

    “Since he’s made his decision, which we have accepted, I think Ferrari have two strong, young, determined drivers, who for different reasons are hungry of victories.
    “Michael has known for many, many months, or I should say for one year, that the choice was to partner him with Raikkonen. We obviously spoke to him like we did when it was time to choose other drivers because the team must agree on things.
    “Massa today had an unhappy start and that influenced his race. If he had a better start it would have ended differently. But he’s giving us lots of satisfaction both as a driver and as a member of the team. If we are leading the constructors’ championship, we owe him a lot as well.”

    Schumacher himself said he was “pleased” with Ferrari’s decision to sign Raikkonen, though the emotion of the moment remained raw.

    An Emotional Farewell and Tributes from Rivals

    Asked what he would miss most about F1, the typically impassive German fell silent for several seconds, took a deep breath, and uttered:

    “Excuse me.”

    That day, Schumacher’s controversial yet glittering career was near-universally celebrated. Three-time world champion Niki Lauda called him “unique,” while rival David Coulthard remarked:

    “Irrespective of whether people are believers in Michael’s race ethics or not, you have to recognise he’s been a great champion and it’s the end of an era.”

    Unmoved by plaudits, Schumacher offered a characteristically grounded response when asked how he wanted to be remembered:

    “Honestly? It doesn’t matter. Some people will want to see me like this and others like that.
    “What’s important is that I know what I am, who I am and where I am. And if people see me the way I am – then I’m happy. But I can’t control how everyone sees me. I can only be proud of myself and happy with what I achieved.”

    A Temporary Retirement and a New Era Begins

    Schumacher’s retirement proved temporary. A neck injury from a motorcycle crash prevented him from substituting for an injured Massa in 2009. He returned with Mercedes from 2010 to 2012 but never recaptured his peak form. A devastating skiing accident in December 2013 left him out of the public eye permanently.

    Yet Schumacher wasn’t the only reason September 10, 2006, was pivotal. As one legend stepped aside, another quietly began his journey. Lewis Hamilton recently revealed that his “Welcome to F1” moment occurred that same weekend.

    “My [‘Welcome to F1’] moment was Monza 2006,” Lewis Hamilton recently revealed. “Just won the GP2 championship. It’s on the grid, Kimi was on pole and I had the privilege of going onto the grid, and I was standing in front of Kimi’s car, and Ron [Dennis] put his arm around me and he told me, looking up to Turn 1, he says, ‘I’m going to give you a chance.’ That was the moment.
    “In the moment, I couldn’t quite believe it and I didn’t know what it was going to be a chance at. But obviously that was the moment that he had decided that he was going to give me a chance for 2007.”

    Hamilton would go on to match Schumacher’s seven world titles and surpass his record of 91 victories, writing new chapters in F1 history and redefining the benchmarks Schumacher set.

    Michael Schumacher’s Full Post-Race Speech at Monza 2006

    “It’s been a very special day, and to finish it in this style as we have been doing today, looking at the championship as well, but much more at what’s going to happen somehow in the future…
    “There has been a lot of discussion for a lot of time, what concerns my future and so on, and I think all the fans, all the motorsport-interested people have a right to be explained what’s going to happen.
    “I am sorry it may took longer than some of you wanted, but you have to find the right moment, and we feel this is the right moment.
    “To make it short, in a way, this is going to be my last Monza race I’m going to do. At the end of this year, I have decided together with the team that I’m going to retire from racing.
    “It has been an exceptional, really exceptional time, what motorsport in more than 30 years has given to me. I really loved every single moment of the good and the bad ones – those ones make life so special.
    “In particular, I should thank my family, starting with my dad, my passed-away mum, and my wife and my kids who at all times supported what I was doing. Without their support, without their strengths, to survive in this business and this sport and to perform, I think it would have been impossible.
    “I can’t be thankful enough to my family, but as well to all my mates at the Benetton time and especially at the Ferrari days, when I’ve made so many friends, I have so many great guys in that team, and it has been a really tough decision to decide to not work together at this level with all my friends, my engineers and everybody. I mean, they’re just so great.
    “But one day, the day has to come, and I felt a point that this is the moment.

    “In terms of timing the decision, I thought that it was fair to find that moment that Felipe has a chance to decide his future, because I think he is a very great guy. He’s been doing a very good job to the team, a very supportive, really great team-mate. There was a moment for him to decide for his future, and there was no point for me to take my decision any later than his decision had to be taken, and this was the conclusion.
    “In a way, my future replacement, it’s a driver – at some stage the team will tell. But I was pleased – and I know a long time ago – to hear that he was the person.
    “And now, I’d just like to concentrate on these last three wins and finish it in style, and hopefully with the championship. We have done a big step today for that, and I really look forward to it.
    “I want to thank everybody who has been on my way or supporting me at all stages – there have been a lot of people. Thank you very much.”

    Though Schumacher ultimately fell short of an eighth title in 2006, he bowed out—at least initially—in commanding style, closing a chapter that reshaped Formula 1 and inadvertently opening the door for its next defining superstar.

  • Monza’s Most Magical Home Wins: From Ascari to Antonelli

    Monza’s Most Magical Home Wins: From Ascari to Antonelli

    F1 Hall of Fame Journalist David Tremayne Recalls Emotional Monza Victories for the Tifosi

    Formula 1 Hall of Fame journalist David Tremayne reflects on the most stirring wins witnessed by the passionate Tifosi at the historic Monza circuit.

    The Italian Grand Prix at Monza has long served as a stage for unforgettable moments, where the sea of red in the grandstands amplifies every triumph. Tremayne, a veteran chronicler of the sport, revisits those races where emotion peaked for Ferrari’s devoted followers.

    A Legacy of Passion at the Temple of Speed

    Monza, known as the “Temple of Speed,” holds a unique place in Formula 1 history. For the Tifosi—Ferrari’s famously fervent fan base—a victory here transcends mere points; it is a cultural event. Tremayne’s retrospective highlights how specific drives have etched themselves into the collective memory of motorsport’s most dedicated supporters.

    From dramatic last-lap overtakes to dominant home-soil performances, the selected victories underscore the deep connection between the Scuderia, the circuit, and its fans. The analysis offers context on why these particular wins resonated so profoundly amid the noise and color of the Italian Grand Prix weekend.

  • Kimi Antonelli’s Brilliant Monza Victory Marks Defining Moment of 2026 Season

    Kimi Antonelli’s Brilliant Monza Victory Marks Defining Moment of 2026 Season

    Kimi Antonelli Produces Monza Masterclass to Win from 19th on Grid

    Kimi Antonelli delivered what will surely rank among the great drives of recent Formula 1 history on Sunday, storming from 19th on the grid to victory at the Italian Grand Prix. The win at his home circuit represents a crowning moment in the young Italian’s burgeoning career.

    Championship Leader Turns Penalty into Opportunity

    Arriving at Monza with a commanding 59-point lead in the championship standings, Antonelli faced a significant setback in the form of a grid penalty that relegated him to the back of the field. The punishment appeared to hand his rivals a golden opportunity to slash his points advantage.

    Instead, the Mercedes driver produced a recovery drive of extraordinary quality, slicing through the field with precision and pace that left the opposition helpless. By the time the chequered flag fell, Antonelli had not only preserved his championship buffer but likely extended it in decisive fashion.

    Russell Left to Contemplate Title Hopes

    The result deals a heavy blow to George Russell’s title aspirations. As Antonelli celebrated on Sunday evening — famously eating pasta from his winner’s trophy — his teammate will be left licking his wounds and confronting the reality that the 2025 championship may have slipped beyond his reach for good.

    The contrast in fortunes between the two Mercedes drivers could hardly be starker. While Antonelli’s star continues to rise with a signature victory, Russell faces an increasingly uphill battle with each passing race weekend.

    Monza Magic Cements Rookie Status

    Winning at Monza — the spiritual home of Italian motorsport — from such a lowly grid position marks Antonelli out as a special talent. The circuit’s high-speed nature and the pressure of a home crowd make recovery drives exceptionally difficult, yet the rookie made it appear almost routine.

    With the championship lead intact and momentum firmly on his side, Antonelli heads to the next round as the undisputed favourite. For Russell and the rest of the grid, the message is clear: the Italian’s title charge shows no signs of slowing down.

  • Power Rankings: Who Impressed Judges at the 2026 Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix

    Power Rankings: Who Impressed Judges at the 2026 Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix

    F1 Power Rankings: Antonelli’s Historic Monza Masterclass Tops Latest Standings

    Kimi Antonelli delivered one of the most remarkable victories in recent Formula 1 history at the Italian Grand Prix, earning a perfect 10 in the latest Power Rankings after charging from 19th on the grid to win at Monza.

    Antonelli’s Drive for the Ages Secures Perfect Score

    Starting from P19 following power unit penalties, the Mercedes rookie was expected to merely limit damage to his championship lead. Instead, he produced an all-time great performance, slicing through the field to battle teammate George Russell for the lead before the halfway mark. A perfectly timed pit stop under the Virtual Safety Car put Antonelli on fresher medium tyres, allowing him to hunt down Russell and pass his title rival with four laps remaining. The victory made him the first Italian driver to win his home Grand Prix in 60 years.

    Gasly’s Qualifying Mastery Earns High Marks

    Pierre Gasly’s Saturday heroics nearly matched Antonelli’s Sunday brilliance. The Alpine driver maximized the Mercedes power unit to top both Q1 and Q3, securing his maiden Formula 1 pole position. Though race pace proved insufficient to hold the lead over 53 laps — Gasly finished seventh — he remained comfortably the best of the rest at a circuit where he claimed his only F1 victory six years ago.

    Verstappen Continues Podium Consistency

    Despite a straight-line speed deficit to the Mercedes-powered cars, Max Verstappen again proved a formidable opponent. The Red Bull driver surged from fifth to second early on, even leading for three laps before being overtaken by both Mercedes drivers. A VSC pit stop mirrored Antonelli’s strategy, and Verstappen charged back to third for his third podium in four races.

    Lindblad’s Quiet Consistency Lifts Racing Bulls

    Arvid Lindblad continued his under-the-radar excellence with an eighth-place finish. Starting ninth, the Racing Bulls rookie benefited from Charles Leclerc’s crash and Franco Colapinto’s off-track excursion at the Lesmos. The result extends Lindblad’s scoring streak to seven points finishes in the last eight races, keeping Racing Bulls ahead of Alpine in the constructors’ standings.

    Russell’s Opportunity Slips Away

    George Russell arrived at Monza facing a 59-point championship deficit to Antonelli, with his teammate’s grid penalty presenting a golden opportunity. The Briton qualified second — his final Q3 lap slightly compromised by Verstappen — and led the race comfortably until the VSC period. Battery management and slipstream effects prevented Russell from building a buffer, while his hard tyre stint ruled out a VSC pit stop. Despite a flawless weekend, Russell leaves Monza seven points further behind in the standings.

    Piastri Rebounds as McLaren Struggles for Race Pace

    Oscar Piastri returned to form after a difficult Zandvoort weekend, qualifying third before a three-place grid penalty for impeding Liam Lawson. The Australian recovered strongly, passing Lewis Hamilton for fourth and pressuring teammate Lando Norris in the closing laps. Norris, the reigning champion, could only manage eighth in qualifying as McLaren lacked race-winning pace despite the Mercedes power unit. He recovered to fifth, passing Piastri on the final lap at the Ascari chicane.

    Bortoleto So Close, Tsunoda Back in Points

    Gabriel Bortoleto missed Q3 by a mere 0.001 seconds for Audi, though Antonelli’s penalty promoted him into the top 10 start. The Brazilian finished 11th, seven seconds shy of points. Yuki Tsunoda, in his second race back with Racing Bulls, climbed from 15th to tenth, potentially strengthening his case for a 2025 seat. Red Bull confirmed Liam Lawson will remain with the senior team in Madrid, replacing the injured Isack Hadjar.

    Sainz Leads Williams Charge

    Williams anticipated difficulties at Monza but Carlos Sainz salvaged 13th, finishing ahead of Lawson’s Red Bull and both upgraded Haas cars, just 16 seconds from the points.

    Just Missing the Top 10

    Franco Colapinto and Ollie Bearman narrowly missed the Power Rankings top 10. Colapinto ran as high as third for Alpine before an off-track moment dropped him to ninth, while Bearman utilized Haas upgrades to finish 15th.

  • The 8 biggest recovery drives to win in Formula 1 history

    The 8 biggest recovery drives to win in Formula 1 history

    Kimi Antonelli has etched his name into Formula 1 history, joining an elite group of drivers who have converted a lowly grid slot into a grand prix victory. The Mercedes rookie achieved the feat in stunning fashion on home soil at the 2026 Italian Grand Prix, surging from 19th on the grid to claim the top step of the podium at Monza.

    Antonelli’s drive continues a rich tradition of comeback victories. Here is a look back at the other drivers who stared at a sea of rear wings on the starting grid only to greet the chequered flag first.

    8. Michael Schumacher — 1995 Belgian Grand Prix (Started 16th)

    Michael Schumacher amassed 91 grand prix wins during his illustrious career, but none came from lower than 16th on the grid. At Spa-Francorchamps in 1995, the German sliced through the field during a phase that saw early leader David Coulthard retire. A strategic gamble on slick tyres as rain arrived proved decisive.

    Schumacher moved into the lead and produced a masterclass in defensive driving, holding off a frustrated Damon Hill on wet-weather tyres despite his own inferior rubber. The Williams driver eventually forced a pass, only to spin moments later. Hill returned to the pits for slicks on a drying track, but the timing backfired as the rain returned with intensity. Both men switched back to wets, but Hill’s challenge evaporated due to a pit-lane speeding penalty, handing Schumacher a clear run to victory.

    7. Kimi Räikkönen — 2005 Japanese Grand Prix (Started 17th)

    Qualifying at Suzuka took place in changeable conditions during the era of single-lap qualifying, leaving the usual front-runners scattered down the order. Newly crowned champion Fernando Alonso lined up 16th, with Kimi Räikkönen one place further back in 17th.

    The race developed into a frenetic spectacle featuring spectacular wheel-to-wheel action. Räikkönen and Alonso carved through the pack, with the McLaren driver leading the charge. A late refuelling stop placed Räikkönen on the tail of Alonso’s Renault teammate, Giancarlo Fisichella. He hunted down the Italian in the closing stages and, on the final lap, seized the outside line to sweep past Fisichella for a remarkable comeback win.

    6. Max Verstappen — 2024 São Paulo Grand Prix (Started 17th)

    After winning seven of the opening ten rounds in 2024, Max Verstappen endured a 10-race winless streak that saw his championship lead over Lando Norris gradually erode. Qualifying in Brazil was postponed to Sunday morning due to weather, and a disrupted session left Verstappen 12th in classification; a power-unit penalty dropped him to 17th on the grid, effectively a net 15th after two cars ahead failed to start.

    From there, the Dutchman delivered a masterclass in treacherous conditions. He carved through the field before a mid-race red flag allowed a free switch to fresh wet tyres. Though still behind Esteban Ocon at the restart, Verstappen overhauled the Alpine within a handful of laps and streaked to victory by nearly 20 seconds — a drive that all but sealed a fourth consecutive world title.

    5. John Watson — 1982 Detroit Grand Prix (Started 17th)

    John Watson qualified only 17th for Formula 1’s inaugural visit to the streets of Detroit, a weekend marred by organisational issues and tricky conditions. Opting for the harder tyre compound proved a tactical masterstroke.

    Watson dispatched rivals with aplomb, highlighted by a stunning trio of overtakes on a single lap — one on teammate Niki Lauda. He quickly reeled in and passed an ailing Keke Rosberg before pulling away to a comfortable victory. Remarkably, this was not even Watson’s lowest-starting win.

    4. Rubens Barrichello — 2000 German Grand Prix (Started 18th)

    A chaotic qualifying session left Rubens Barrichello down in 18th, but the Brazilian made immediate amends, blasting his Ferrari past rivals on the long, full-throttle straights of the old Hockenheim layout.

    A safety car period — triggered by a track invader — bunched the field, and a McLaren communication mix-up elevated Barrichello to second behind Mika Häkkinen. When rain arrived, Häkkinen pitted for wet tyres, but Barrichello stayed out on slicks. With the vast circuit only partially damp, the dry sections allowed him to maintain pace and secure a remarkable maiden victory after seven seasons in the sport.

    3. Bill Vukovich — 1954 Indianapolis 500 (Started 19th)

    During the 1950s, the Indianapolis 500 counted toward the World Championship, yet few Formula 1 regulars contested the event, making these races historical outliers. Bill Vukovich was a specialist at the Brickyard, winning in 1953 and 1954.

    For his second triumph, Vukovich started 19th and worked his way forward to claim victory, though this remains shy of the Indy 500 record of wins from 28th on the grid. Tragically, Vukovich lost his life in an accident while leading the following year’s race.

    2. Kimi Antonelli — 2026 Italian Grand Prix (Started 19th)

    Reliability issues earlier in 2026 placed Kimi Antonelli on course for a grid penalty for exceeding his power-unit component allocation. Mercedes elected to take the hit strategically at Monza.

    Antonelli started 19th after Liam Lawson and Fernando Alonso opted for pit-lane starts. He was running 12th when the race was red-flagged for Charles Leclerc’s accident. At the restart, Antonelli vaulted to eighth and rapidly picked off rivals, swapping the lead with teammate George Russell. A mid-race pit stop dropped him back, but superior pace and fresher tyres allowed him to hunt down the lead once more. He survived a late scare after a mistake exiting the first chicane to hold on for a historic maiden win on home soil.

    1. John Watson — 1983 United States Grand Prix West (Started 22nd)

    The lowest grid slot ever converted into a Formula 1 victory belongs to John Watson at Long Beach in 1983. McLaren was competitive in race trim but struggled for one-lap pace on the bumpy street circuit, leaving Watson and Lauda 22nd and 23rd respectively — four seconds off pole.

    Hampered by poor qualifying tyre performance, the McLarens came alive on race day. In an attritional contest, both drivers sliced through the field, gaining positions through overtaking and rival misfortunes. Such was the M23’s race pace that Watson crossed the line almost half a minute clear of Lauda, with only René Arnoux’s Ferrari — over a minute adrift — remaining on the lead lap.

  • Ferrari’s ADUO 2 Upgrade Is No “Game Changer” for Haas Either

    Ferrari’s ADUO 2 Upgrade Is No “Game Changer” for Haas Either

    Bearman: Ferrari Engine Upgrade a “Much Smaller Step” Than Haas Aero Package

    Oliver Bearman has downplayed the impact of Ferrari’s ADUO 2 power unit upgrade, describing it as “a much smaller step” compared to the revised chassis Haas brought to the Italian Grand Prix. The Prancing Horse introduced its second and final power unit upgrade of the 2026 season under the Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO) system, supplying one such powertrain to Haas for the Monza round. The engine was fitted to Bearman’s VF-26.

    Oliver Bearman, Haas F1 Team. Photo by: Sam Bagnall / Sutton Images via Getty Images

    Qualifying Progress Offset by Race-Day Struggles

    The American squad showed slight progress in qualifying, with the British rookie securing 12th place—his best grid slot since the Chinese Grand Prix in March. However, Haas endured a seventh consecutive point-less round at Monza, equalling its worst streak since the 2021 season. Bearman briefly held eighth in the opening laps but slipped back as he could not match the pace of the Alpines and Racing Bulls. Having stayed out under the virtual safety car, he finished 15th.

    Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur had already tempered expectations, stating the ADUO 2 powertrain would not be a game changer. Bearman echoed that sentiment after qualifying.

    “It’s a much smaller step than what the [aero] upgrade was, let’s say,” the 21-year-old commented. “Of course, there’s a bit more in this track, but in terms of a season average, it wouldn’t have been enough to get us out of the fight for Q1, to be honest, if you put that engine on us in Zandvoort. I don’t think it was a game changer.

    “Of course, more power is always nice, but you’ve read the news about how much it is. It’s definitely beneficial, but the biggest step was the [aero] upgrade, which was more than twice or three times the amount of power we got from the engine – which is testament to the team’s hard work, and I’m really, really proud of them for that.”

    Haas Aero Upgrade Details

    The Haas upgrade for Monza featured a revamped floor and revised bodywork on the sidepods and engine cover. While Esteban Ocon did not receive the new power unit, he benefited from the aerodynamic parts. Nevertheless, the Frenchman ended up seven tenths slower than his teammate in Q2.

    That gap does not equate to the engine deficit alone. Ocon has struggled with the VF-26’s aerodynamic inconsistency—an issue he believes has affected him at 10 of the 13 grands prix so far this year.

    Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Team. Photo by: Sam Bagnall / Sutton Images via Getty Images

    Ocon: “We Didn’t Get to the Bottom of the Issue”

    Asked after qualifying if the car’s inconsistency had improved compared to practice, Ocon replied:

    “No, it wasn’t, unfortunately. We tried everything we could, taking all the bits in the garage to put it on the car. We did everything that we could, but we didn’t get to the bottom of the issue.

    “Unfortunately, we’re still losing a lot of load compared to Ollie, especially on the rear of the car. It’s not ideal, clearly, but the guys did a mega job by trying that.

    “And I was happy with my lap, you know. At the end of the day, I feel like I did a strong lap, I was happy with it. But the deficit of downforce plus the engine losses, it’s quite a lot around here. So that’s the max that we could have done.”

    The veteran driver did find a silver lining in the performance of the sister car: “They worked on Ollie’s side, yes, they did.”

    Constructors’ Battle Tightens

    Despite the aerodynamic step forward on Bearman’s car, both Haas entries finished behind the Audis. The German manufacturer now trails Haas by just five points in the constructors’ championship, setting up a close fight for the remainder of the season.

    Nico Hulkenberg, Audi F1 Team, Oliver Bearman, Haas F1 Team. Photo by: Andy Hone / LAT Images via Getty Images
  • Juan Pablo Montoya: Mercedes Should Have Double-Stacked George Russell, Kimi Antonelli at Monza

    Juan Pablo Montoya: Mercedes Should Have Double-Stacked George Russell, Kimi Antonelli at Monza

    Former Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has criticized Mercedes’ strategy during the Italian Grand Prix, arguing the team compromised George Russell’s race victory chances by failing to double-stack their drivers under the Virtual Safety Car.

    Montoya Questions Mercedes Pit Strategy at Monza

    Mercedes secured a dominant 1-2 finish at Monza, led by home favorite Andrea Kimi Antonelli. The rookie recovered from 19th on the grid to become the first Italian winner at the circuit since 1966. However, Russell controlled the early phases of the race and appeared the primary candidate for victory before a mid-race Virtual Safety Car period altered the complexion of the Grand Prix.

    The British driver was leading at the time but was left out on track while Antonelli pitted. The Italian subsequently sliced through the field and overtook his teammate for the win.

    Montoya: Russell Should Have Received Priority Stop

    Speaking on F1 TV’s post-race show, Montoya argued Mercedes should have given Russell the priority pitstop.

    “He was leading and he should have had the priority on the pitstop. When that virtual safety car came, at that point, it’s quicker to stop than staying out. They should have stopped him, they should have double-stacked him, and he should have stopped ahead of Antonelli,” the Colombian explained.

    “And I’m not saying Antonelli wouldn’t still catch him and win the race, but it would have been a really close fight like we saw earlier on. It would have been a really cool race at the end for all of us.”

    Wolff Defends Strategy, Cites Tyre Constraints

    Team principal Toto Wolff addressed suggestions the Brackley outfit’s strategy favoured Antonelli.

    “The two-stop was the best but we didn’t think it was the case, so that was good for him actually,” he told Sky Sports F1 after the race.

    “But today there was nothing that would have stopped him [Antonelli]. George fought with worn-out tools at the end, so I’m really happy for the one-two.”

    When asked if there were any alternative strategic options for Russell, Wolff added:

    “No, George was on the hard and we needed to go on the one-stop so there was no chance.”

  • Was Russell Hindered or Was It Antonelli Brilliance? F1 Q&A

    Was Russell Hindered or Was It Antonelli Brilliance? F1 Q&A

    Andrew Benson Answers Fan Questions Following Italian Grand Prix

    BBC Sport Formula 1 correspondent Andrew Benson has responded to a new batch of reader questions in the aftermath of the Italian Grand Prix at Monza. The session covers key talking points from the race weekend, offering expert analysis on team strategies, driver performances, and championship implications.

    Post-Race Analysis and Fan Interaction

    The Q&A format allows fans to submit specific queries regarding on-track incidents, technical developments, and the shifting competitive order. Benson draws on his extensive paddock access and historical knowledge to provide context behind the headlines from the Temple of Speed.

    Key Topics Addressed

    • Race-defining moments and strategic decisions
    • Driver performances and championship standings impact
    • Technical updates and team development directions
    • Upcoming race weekend expectations

    Readers can find the full exchange on the BBC Sport website, where Benson continues to bridge the gap between the F1 paddock and the global audience throughout the season.

  • Has Monza Made Mercedes the Betting Favourites Again?

    Has Monza Made Mercedes the Betting Favourites Again?

    Mercedes secured a dominant 1-2 finish at the Italian Grand Prix, with Kimi Antonelli delivering a sensational victory at Monza. Our expert betting analysts examine the championship implications for Ferrari, McLaren, and Red Bull following the Silver Arrows’ commanding performance.

    Mercedes Dominates at Monza

    The Italian Grand Prix produced a statement result for Mercedes as the team locked out the top two positions. Antonelli’s breakthrough win marks a significant milestone in the young driver’s career and signals a potential shift in the competitive order heading into the final stretch of the season.

    Championship Rivals Respond

    Ferrari, McLaren, and Red Bull now face critical strategic decisions as they assess the fallout from Mercedes’ resurgence. Each constructor must evaluate setup directions, development priorities, and race-weekend operations to counter the sudden pace advantage shown by the Brackley-based squad.

    Betting Markets React

    Our expert betting writers have analyzed the latest odds movements across all major markets. The Mercedes 1-2 has triggered significant shifts in constructors’ championship pricing, drivers’ title futures, and individual race winner markets for upcoming Grands Prix.