With just one more win, Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing will not only add another line to his already-impressive racing resume, but he will etch his name in the hallowed halls of F1 history. By securing a victory at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza, Verstappen will achieve a remarkable ten-straight wins, surpassing the previous record set by Sebastian Vettel in 2013.
Verstappen’s pursuit of history undoubtedly dominates the headlines this week. However, as the grid heads to Monza, there are other captivating storylines to follow.
Is Monza where Alex Albon secures his podium for Williams?
In what may seem like a bold prediction but supported by recent performances, Alex Albon has a strong chance of securing a podium finish at Monza for Williams. Albon has consistently scored points in three out of the last six races, and his remarkable performance at the Dutch Grand Prix, where he qualified fourth and finished eighth, showcased his potential. Furthermore, the speed and performance of the FW45 on the straights make Monza an ideal circuit for Albon to shine.
Can Ferrari “unbreak” themselves?
Ferrari’s recent struggles have left their devoted fans disappointed and frustrated. The team’s lack of consistency and a series of unfortunate incidents, such as Charles Leclerc crashing out of Q3 and retiring early at the Dutch Grand Prix, have added to their woes. As the Scuderia heads to Monza, a track considered their home, the pressure is on for Ferrari to regain their form and salvage pride in front of their loyal supporters.
Game on for second in the Constructors’ Championship?
Mercedes’ recent successes and Aston Martin’s struggles had given the Silver Arrows a comfortable lead of 51 points in the battle for second place in the Constructors’ Championship. However, Fernando Alonso’s impressive second-place finish at Zandvoort, coupled with a mixed performance from Mercedes, saw Aston Martin close the gap. This shift in momentum provides an opportunity for the race for second place to intensify once again.
What will we see from Liam Lawson?
Liam Lawson’s unexpected entry into the Grand Prix as Daniel Ricciardo’s replacement presented a challenging situation. Despite limited practice time and adverse weather conditions, Lawson showed promise and achieved a respectable 13th-place finish. With a full slate of practice sessions at Monza and prior experience on the track, Lawson could have a chance to secure his first points in Formula 1.
The main storyline remains Verstappen
While the other storylines add intrigue to the upcoming race, the spotlight firmly remains on Max Verstappen and his pursuit of history. Verstappen has shown his ability to overcome challenges and performed exceptionally well at the Dutch Grand Prix despite varying weather conditions. Although Monza has been notorious for generating misfortune for previous winners, Verstappen’s determination and skill make it plausible for him to overcome the “Monza Curse.” If Verstappen prevails, he will etch his name in the history books.
As the excitement builds for the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, the Formula 1 community eagerly awaits to witness Verstappen’s potential record-breaking moment and the unfolding of other captivating narratives.
The Business Press 