A surprising polesitter in Pierre Gasly, a comeback race from Kimi Antonelli, and a car that hopefully does what Max Verstappen expects from it. Here are some nice ingredients for today’s Italian Grand Prix. These are the things to watch out for.
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1. Gasly goes for second win
Pierre Gasly already won here in 2020, but a victory six years later at the same Monza might be even more surprising. No one, not even him, had counted on pole in qualifying. It is the first of his career, after 191 (!) attempts. The likeable Frenchman undoubtedly has the goodwill of many for the victory in Italy. But can he keep the faster cars behind him for an entire race? Probably not, although for example Max Verstappen does not rule it out.
2. Verstappen must hope for ‘FP3 car’
The same Verstappen will certainly not be competing for the win. Or will he? Anything is possible, but then a lot of water must flow under the proverbial bridge. The RB22 has problems at the rear, which made qualifying disappointing. If the car feels better in the race, as Verstappen referred to in the third free practice, then maybe something is possible. “But not like the car feels now,” said the Dutchman after qualifying on Saturday.
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3. Antonelli ready for comeback race
Due to grid penalties, he is forced to start from the back, but that does not necessarily make World Championship leader Kimi Antonelli hopeless for a high finish or even victory. It would be a great achievement in his home country, a feat. But the Italian youngster showed excellent race pace in the Mercedes this weekend, so that promises something. The key will be to stay out of trouble and with some luck, he could finish very high.
4. Ferrari wants to shine for home crowd
It’s not just about settling in well for Antonelli’s comeback race. No, that also applies to Ferrari’s performance. Because you can bet the red brigade is eager to shine for their home crowd. The ‘Tifosi’ see Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton starting from the upper midfield, but the hunt for George Russell and Pierre Gasly will soon be opened. Can Ferrari handle the pressure and high expectations or will it mainly be an internal battle for a podium place?
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