Monza – The Temple of Speed

Monza, the historic heart of Formula One, once again played host to the Italian Grand Prix, a race that has been a permanent fixture on the F1 calendar since 1950, bar a single exception in 1980. Nestled within the picturesque Parco di Monza, one of Europe’s largest historic parks, the Monza Circuit stands as the second oldest in continuous use today. But beyond its age and beauty, Monza holds a deeper significance, especially for the sea of red-clad tifosi, the passionate supporters of Scuderia Ferrari.

The Temple of Speed, as Monza is reverently called, is more than just a race track; it’s a place of pilgrimage for the tifosi. Their unwavering support for Ferrari, evident from the vast red expanse in the grandstands, has its roots in the team’s historic victories here, notably Michael Schumacher’s five wins between 1996 and 2006. However, no Italian has tasted victory at Monza since Ludovico Scarfiotti’s triumph in 1966. This yearning for a home win makes the Italian Grand Prix a pressure cooker, especially for Ferrari.

Red Bull Dominate Monza

This year’s race, however, was dominated by the formidable combination of Red Bull and Max Verstappen. Verstappen clinched his 10th consecutive win, a new record in Formula One, underlining the sheer dominance Red Bull currently wields. His teammate, Sergio Perez, secured a commendable second place, followed closely by Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc. Mercedes, once the titans of the track, found themselves trailing, with George Russell and Lewis Hamilton finishing fifth and sixth, respectively.

F1 Strategy at Monza

While the focus of many is often on in-race strategy, Monza’s unique challenges pivot largely around two key elements: aerodynamic setup and engine power. The Temple of Speed demands a car that’s not only aerodynamically efficient but also powered by a robust engine. Red Bull’s triumph showcased their mastery in both domains, while Ferrari’s performance indicated a well-balanced car. Mercedes, despite their efforts, seemed to lag in both aerodynamic efficiency and engine power.

Mercedes qualification at Monza

Mercedes’ qualifying session left much to be desired, with Hamilton starting from the eighth position. Although fifth and sixth were respectable finishes given the circumstances, the Temple of Speed laid bare the team’s shortcomings. For a team that had just announced the continuation of their partnership with Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, the results were undoubtedly a letdown. Toto Wolff, the Mercedes F1 team boss, whose post-race comments often carry a tinge of disappointment, would have hoped for a stronger showing.

Next up Singapore F1 Race

As the F1 circus moves to the downforce-heavy Singapore circuit, in-race strategy will once again come to the fore. Different teams will find varying degrees of success on this contrasting track. But for now, the narrative remains clear: Red Bull and Verstappen are in a league of their own, and Mercedes, despite their storied history, have work to do.

F1 Monza Sum up

The Italian Grand Prix at Monza, with its rich history and fervent fan base, serves as a reminder of the ever-evolving nature of Formula One, and shows how what was once the domain of Ferrari under Michael Schumacher, and Mercedes under Hamilton, is now squarely owned by Red Bull.