Ferrari delivered a stellar performance on 1 September 2024, at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza in Italy, with Charles Leclerc clinching victory in an electrifying race.
Leclerc’s tire degradation was evident when he came into the pits, yet Ferrari’s bold one-stop strategy proved decisive. He crossed the finish line just 2 seconds ahead, but a win is a win.
“It’s an incredible feeling,” Leclerc said, overwhelmed by his hard-fought victory. This marks his second win of the 2024 season and the 16th race out of the 24-race calendar.
The race began with McLaren’s drivers, Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, locking out the front row after a dominant qualifying session. However, Leclerc quickly shot into second place, setting the tone for an intense battle.
Pitting delays and strategic calls significantly influenced the race’s outcome. Despite McLaren’s strong start, Ferrari’s strategy to minimize pit stops allowed Leclerc to seize the lead. Carlos Sainz Jr. also benefited, securing a commendable fourth place.
Race Results:
- C. Leclerc, Ferrari
- O. Piastri, McLaren
- L. Norris, McLaren
- C. Sainz Jr., Ferrari
- L. Hamilton, Mercedes
- M. Verstappen, Red Bull
Max Verstappen endured another frustrating race, hampered by a two-stop strategy that didn’t pan out and ongoing issues with his car. Although he still leads the 2024 championship standings, Lando Norris is gradually closing the gap, intensifying the battle for the title.
The atmosphere among the Italian fans was electrifying. The grandstands turned into a sea of red, with fans waving large flags, singing, and celebrating Ferrari’s victory with visible ecstasy.
With eight races left in the season, the battle for the Constructors’ Championship is heating up. Teams will be pushing their limits to fine-tune their cars and adapt to the challenges of each remaining track.