Monza’s Italian Grand Prix: Max Verstappen Shatters Records, but Ferrari Steals the Show

While Max Verstappen rewrote the Formula 1 history books, the true headline makers at the Monza circuit were none other than the Ferrari duo of Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc.

Despite Verstappen securing an unparalleled tenth consecutive victory, the throngs of fans on the track after the race seemed more interested in a different triumph. Verstappen’s celebratory Dutch anthem was overpowered by resounding cries of “Carlos, Carlos, Carlos.”

Sainz, standing next to Verstappen on the winners’ platform, couldn’t help but soak in the exuberant atmosphere. Not only had he claimed his first podium finish of the year, but he’d done it with the ferocity of a gladiator. The tifosi (Ferrari fans), if they weren’t already, were absolutely smitten.

An hour or so later, the tifosi were still basking in the afterglow. Leclerc emerged from the Ferrari garage, scaled some debris fencing, and spent quality time signing autographs and taking fan photos. This time, the chants switched to “Charles, Charles, Charles.”

Even as Verstappen reached an unprecedented milestone, the limelight remained fixed on Ferrari. Over the weekend, Sainz and Leclerc gave Red Bull Racing a run for its money, delivering their team’s most spirited performance of a challenging season. Their intra-team rivalry reached a climax in the closing laps as they battled for the final podium position.

Right up until the final moments, both drivers were on the brink, trading places and daring moves. Leclerc attempted a fake-out on Sainz during the last lap, resulting in both cars locking up and taking the escape route. Leclerc later commented, “We were both walking a tightrope in terms of the rules, but it was all in good fun.”

In years past, Ferrari might’ve called off such intense intra-team competition. But under the leadership of new team boss Frederic Vasseur, a new ethos is sweeping through Maranello. Vasseur, himself a racing aficionado, has ushered in a culture of calculated risk-taking and dynamic racing.

Vasseur praised his drivers, saying, “It’s easier to talk when things end well, but it’s the best way to thank the fans. I’m proud of the team and the drivers today.”

Monza was charged with an electric atmosphere all weekend. Fans even clogged the arrival of Sainz and Leclerc at the track, all while a Hollywood crew was set to film scenes for Brad Pitt’s upcoming F1 flick.

Ferrari saw Monza as a golden opportunity. Their cars, equipped with new engines and specialized rear wings, demonstrated exceptional speed. Vasseur, however, denied any excessive engine-tweaking, but the results spoke volumes. From the moment they qualified in pole positions, the mood was set for what one rival team boss dubbed as “Ferrari’s chance of the season.”

Though Verstappen ultimately broke Sainz’s defense after 15 laps, the Spaniard’s battle was far from over. He held off advances from Leclerc and then Red Bull’s Sergio Perez, marking perhaps the most intense battle of the race.

Even as Red Bull continued to dominate the grid, Sainz summarized the sentiment best: “A third-place finish in front of the tifosi is as good as it gets. It was a challenging day, but one full of battles, risks, and ultimately, fun.”

As for Max Verstappen, his record-breaking spree hasn’t phased him much. Team boss Christian Horner, however, didn’t hold back his praise: “What Max is doing is incredible. You have to recognize and applaud his achievements. These golden moments don’t come around often, and we’re living history.”

It was evident that Verstappen, despite his public stoicism, was sharper than ever. Horner observed a laser-focused determination in him, saying, “You could tell this record meant something special.”

So while Verstappen may have etched his name deeper into the F1 annals, it was the Ferrari team that truly owned the hearts and headlines at Monza. Because let’s face it, records are written in ink, but legends are written in passion and sweat. And this weekend, Ferrari provided both in spades.

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More about Italian Grand Prix

• [Max Verstappen’s 10th Consecutive Win Stats]
• [Carlos Sainz’s 2023 Season Overview]
• [Inside Ferrari’s Strategy for Monza]
• [Frederic Vasseur’s Take on Team Dynamics]
• [Behind the Scenes with Hollywood at the Italian Grand Prix]
• [Tifosi: The Passionate Ferrari Fanbase]
• [Charles Leclerc’s 2023 Season Highlights]
• [A Brief History of the Italian Grand Prix at Monza]
• [Official F1 Italian Grand Prix Results]
• [Brad Pitt’s Upcoming F1 Movie Details]