Lots of variety in runs through the shortened FP3 session. Everyone trying to find the perfect distance to make the most of the slipstream tow. Lots of race strategy laps as well. Ferrari at the top for the third session, but this time itās Seb Vettel with young Charlie Leclerc down in 4th with an exact match of Bottasā time. Verstappen P2 just a hair behind Seb even though heāll start from the back of the grid due to an engine replacement. Also interesting to see the two Renaults sandwiching Lewis in P5 and P7 showing good pace as well.
The curb at the end of Parabolica that caused the F3 accident earlier has been removed, but drivers now will have both the lap theyāre on and the next lap times deleted if they get all four wheels over the white line there - something that happened to at least four drivers during FP3.
Holy crap, what a farce! Q3 shambles as everyone waited for everyone else to go out first. They leave it all too late and only Sainz and Leclerc manage to cross the line in time to run a final fast lap. Charles Leclerc gets his 4th career pole, but the last lap is all under investigation by the Stewards. It was, in a word, stupid.
Hamilton low key blaming Ferrari for making everyone slow on the final out lap because Leclerc already was holding onto P1 from the first runs. But the Ferraris were initially being held up by a McLaren and a Renault anyway.
Hereās the Final Qualifying Sheet:
Grid will change once the engine penalties get applied.
It just occurred to me that the Vettel lap was the one where it looked like he came very close to exceeding the track limits at Parabolica. I wonder if that is being investigated? If he has that lap deleted, he doesnāt have a Q3 time and will drop to P8-ish. Anyone think the Stewards are brave enough to take on the wrath of the Tifosi if that happens?
4 hours to Go! time. It did rain through the night and into this morning at Monza, but it has since cleared up nicely and the sun is out. Forecast still shows between 10% - 20% chance of rain during the rain, but thatās been declining all morning.
And looking at the Remaining Sets, with no new Softs for most of the top of the field, a one-stop softs to mediums is going to be the preferred approach. Maybe a team may try a split strategy and do soft > medium with one car, and pit the other a little earlier and try a soft > hard strategy?
My prediction is simple. I love Seb, I will always, but his head is not in it, I dont see him racing for Ferrari next year - yes I know he has a contract, but if he stays he will be no 2, Leclerc is proving that daily.
What an epic race - I new he could win it if he stayed in front of the mercs, yes he was a little cheeky with some of the moves I am just thankful he got the required warning and that was it - they could race.
Finally Ferrari gets it right with the strategy. Switching to the hard compound was a pretty smart move. They did want another Austria where tyres essentially cost Charles the win.
The scrapping between him and Lewis, and then Valtteri was just brilliant to watch!
Vettel, shame, not really in it anymore. And hats off to Verstappen, lap 1 pit after starting from the back of the grid, and pushed so hard and made up so much ground. School fees for getting the new engine.
Finally, poor Sainz! Having such bad luck! I love Mclaren but Renault is proving more reliable and seems more eager. Come on Maccas, pull up your socks!
Wow what a race. That was such an entertaining and stressful race. I so wanted Leclerc to win, and I am so happy for the guy. He raced super hard. People keep on saying Verstappen is a hard driver. Well, look out for Leclerc. He is ruthless. To have kept Hamilton at bay for so long is amazing.
My feeling towards Vettel has gone from admiration to pure contempt. Jeez this guy cannot race anymore. Like seriously, what is he doing? How the mighty hath fallen. How many spins is that now? You donāt see anyone else on the grid doing that. He is currently in my eyes the worst driver on the grid, he just happens to be in a top car.
Well done to Renault for showcaing their 1000bhp engine power and getting their best positions since 2008 I believe. McLaren had another terrible race, and that battle for 4th is now becoming hotly contested.
Rumour mill running with a (fairly well sourced) story that Michael Schumacher is in a Paris hospital to receive stem cell treatment. The doctor leading the procedure is known for pioneering advances in brain and spine stem cell therapy. Thereās still hope. #KeepFightingMichael
