Dutchman Max Verstappen has emerged victorious at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza, marking the 14th race of the Formula 1 World Championship. Verstappen’s triumph in Monza was his 47th career win, the 12th of this season, and an unprecedented 10th consecutive victory, setting a remarkable record in Formula 1 history. He became the first driver in the sport’s 73-year history to stand atop the podium ten times in a row. Just last week, he had equaled Sebastian Vettel’s record of nine wins from 2013, and now he has taken that record one step further.
Verstappen expressed his disbelief at achieving ten consecutive wins, saying with a smile, “I didn’t believe 10 consecutive wins were possible.” Reflecting on his race strategy, he added, “It was so difficult to get close and go into Turn 1; I had to force Sainz to make a mistake. I tried to stay patient; it’s a long race, and I just had to choose my moment.”
Team boss Christian Horner congratulated Verstappen over the radio as he crossed the finish line, saying, “Well done, my friend. You’re in a league of your own; that’s history.”
The second place on the podium was secured by Verstappen’s teammate, Sergio Perez, with the Spanish driver Carlos Sainz of Ferrari taking third place. This marked Sainz’s first podium finish of the season, especially noteworthy as he had started from pole position and led the race until the 15th of the 51 laps. Close behind Sainz in fourth was Ferrari’s second driver, Charles Leclerc.
In the race standings, following the two Red Bulls and Ferraris, two Mercedes drivers, Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, claimed the fifth and sixth positions, respectively. Verstappen extended his lead over Perez, now amassing 364 points and holding a 145-point advantage with eight races remaining. Fernando Alonso held the third position with 170 points. In the constructors’ standings, Red Bull maintained their lead with 583 points, ahead of Mercedes with 273 points and Ferrari with 228 points.
The next race on the Formula 1 calendar is scheduled for September 17th in Singapore.
