Top 3 Highlights From The 2023 Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix
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I always have trouble figuring out how exactly I want to talk about Monza because normally there is an entirely different Italian Grand Prix on the calendar. So what do I call them if in my mind they’re both just the Italian Grand Prix? Who knows and realistically who cares?! Let’s jump right into my top 3 Highlights from the 2023 Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix!
Ferrari Finally Appears
For the overwhelming majority of the season Ferrari had been on the back foot, not only losing out to Red Bull, Mercedes, and Aston Martin but even getting punched in the gut by the McLarens following their big mid-season upgrades. While Carlos Sainz did not win the race it was still impressive to get a new race leader from the very first lap, eventually getting overtaken by Max Verstappen on lap 15, it was a valiant effort by someone who is commonly referred to the second driver over at Ferrari. Times are changing for Ferrari, and those changes may not have Charles Leclerc as the Ferrari poster child anymore.
Piastri and Hamilton Collide
With both McLarens and both Mercedes being out of position in the midfield there was bound to be some interesting battles between the two teams. Eventually as Lewis Hamilton was attempting to overtake Piastri in the later stages of the race, contact was made between both cars forcing them off track. Lewis Hamilton was dealt a 5 second penalty for causing a collision which really forced Hamilton to up his pace to secure some good points in the end. With an immediate apology after the race it’s good to see that not all incidents are full of drama here in Formula 1!
Max Makes History
I remain no fan of Max Verstappen but there is something to say about his ability to consistently show up on every Grand Prix weekend and out perform not only his teammate but often times the rest of the grid. With that being said Max now holds the all time record for most consecutive race wins in a Formula 1 season! Now the real question is, do we actually want a season where someone out does Max’s record? Ultimately, I think not but that’s my two cents!
Final Thoughts
It’s a tough pill to swallow to watch Max and Sergio just dominate the field but I think there is something to say about the 2023 season improving somewhat compared to the absolute snooze fest we saw earlier in the season. The question remains open though, who can stop the Red Bull dominance in 2023? Sound off down below with your thoughts and comments to let me know what you thought about the 2023 Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix!
