Max Verstappen the real threat to McLaren: Ferrari’s mystery over slipstream denied to Charles Leclerc
In the dark years, Enzo Ferrari insisted that his cars had to win at Monza at all costs, promoting the idea that triumphing on the home circuit was worth half a world championship. Often he succeeded, achieving memorable victories that softened the disappointments of the season. Today, Ferrari aims to repeat that magic, coming off a mediocre championship so far but fully focused on the Italian GP, which carries great significance for Italians due to its connection to culture, history, and passion. Can this Ferrari pull off a shock at Monza, with Charles Leclerc starting from fourth position? Last year, Charles achieved a stunning win thanks to a one-stop strategy miracle, proving that nothing is impossible. However, he now openly acknowledges the strength of Max Verstappen’s Red Bull, starting from pole, and the McLaren pairing of Lando Norris on the front row and Oscar Piastri on the second row.
This is shaping up to be an extremely challenging Grand Prix, with Verstappen mixing up the order with a remarkable lap, positioning himself as the hare in a race in which few had considered him a contender until recently. As usual, he drove brilliantly, but credit is also due to Red Bull for showing their first true demonstration of strength since Adrian Newey’s departure. Will Verstappen be able to pull away? Even he seems uncertain, but he will certainly try.
McLaren was not as strong as on other circuits and struggled to find the ideal setup, but we all know how competitive they are in race conditions. Therefore, both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are expected to fight for the victory, though in what order remains to be seen.
Ferrari opted for a very low-downforce car, making it extremely fast to try and reduce the usual gap to McLaren. It makes sense; with nothing to lose, they have to try everything, even if there is a risk of reduced efficiency through the corners and higher tire wear.
Yet one mystery remains: on a track where slipstreams are crucial for lap times, no one told Hamilton – who posted the fifth-fastest time but drops to tenth on the grid due to his Zandvoort penalty – to tow Leclerc. Perhaps it was never requested out of reverential caution, perhaps there was a concern he wouldn’t accept, or maybe granting it would have enhanced Hamilton’s human and team stature. Charles, three tenths off Verstappen but only one behind the McLarens, was left puzzled, to say the least. We were too, while Frederic Vasseur struggled to explain this unusual choice. It is impossible to know exactly what the Maranello pit wall intended. However, Leclerc, as we know him, will not give up and will attack immediately in the 476 meters between the start and the first chicane. It is in this space, with high-stakes maneuvers, that the race for him and others could be decided. So, missing the Monza start would be a mistake. The rest threatens to be either a tactical bore or an explosion of surprises from bold decisions. A prediction? Never say never…
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