Charles Leclerc thrilled the Tifosi with a spirited drive at the Italian Grand Prix, claiming fourth place for Ferrari as Max Verstappen stormed to a record-breaking victory at Monza – the fastest Grand Prix in Formula One history.
The roar of the Monza crowd was deafening as Charles Leclerc surged into third place on the opening lap, battling wheel-to-wheel with Oscar Piastri in a thrilling start to the Italian Grand Prix.
The Monegasque fought hard to hold the position, defending valiantly in front of the adoring Tifosi, but was eventually forced to yield on Lap 5 as tyre degradation took its toll.
“I gave it my all,” said Leclerc. “I lost grip with my tyres overheating and struggled to keep Oscar behind… but we maximised our result and didn’t leave anything on the table.”
He would finish fourth, just four seconds behind Piastri and 25 seconds adrift of the winner, Max Verstappen.
Starting from pole, Verstappen was immediately put under pressure by Lando Norris as the lights went out. The pair went side by side down the main straight, with Verstappen squeezing the McLaren onto the grass before skipping the first chicane to stay ahead. To avoid a time penalty, Verstappen ceded the lead to Norris at the start of Lap 2 but wasted little time reclaiming it, sweeping past around the outside of Turn 1 just two laps later.
From there, the Red Bull driver controlled the race with clinical precision, building a comfortable lead and pitting at the perfect moment to stay out of reach.
His dominant display delivered not only a third win of the season and 66th career victory, but also made history as the fastest Grand Prix ever recorded, with an average speed of 250.706 km/h.
Behind him, McLaren’s day was complicated by a slow pit stop for Norris, which allowed team-mate Oscar Piastri to jump ahead. A team order saw the Australian reluctantly give the place back, securing second and third for the papaya squad.
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Photo source: Scuderia Ferrari Press Centre