F1: A lap of the Italian Grand Prix at Monza
The Formula One Italian Grand Prix takes place at Monza this afternoon as title-race leader Max Verstappen looks to increase the gap to rival Lewis Hamilton from pole position.
Defending champion Hamilton will start fourth on the grid and trails Red Bull’s Verstappen by five points in the drivers’ standings, with the Dutch-Belgian having gained two points by coming second in Saturday’s sprint race. That contest was won by Hamilton’s Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas, who will be replaced by George Russell next season, but the Finnish driver will in fact start at the back of the grid today after receiving a penalty for a power unit change.
Seven-time F1 champion Hamilton could only manage a fifth-placed finish in sprint qualifying, with Daniel Ricciardo third and McLaren teammate Lando Norris fourth. The pair will therefore start from second and third spot at Monza this afternoon, with Ricciardo on the front line. Last year’s Italian Grand Prix winner Pierre Gasly crashed out while entering the first chicane during the sprint and will line up 19th on the grid today.
Following Saturday’s event, Hamilton said: “You saw the pace of Red Bull – I don’t know if they are quicker than Valtteri, but it should be an easy win for [Verstappen]. They’ve got more pace, and from what I understand they bring upgrades to every race.”
Follow all the action live from the Italian Grand Prix, with updates provided below.
Italian Grand Prix: Daniel Ricciardo wins
It’s an eighth career win for Ricciardo, who celebrates by doing a shoey – drinking champagne from his shoe.
This is Norris’ best F1 finish, with the 21-year-old Briton having secured a few third-place finishes but never second.
Alex Pattle12 September 2021 15:46
Italian Grand Prix: Daniel Ricciardo wins
That’s Ricciardo’s first race win in three years and his first as a McLaren driver.
Alex Pattle12 September 2021 15:40
Italian Grand Prix: Daniel Ricciardo wins
Ricciardo thanks the Italian fans in their native language!
Alex Pattle12 September 2021 15:38
Italian Grand Prix: Daniel Ricciardo wins
Ricciardo: “To lead literally from start to finish, I don’t think any of us expected that. But there was something in me on Friday, I knew there was something good to come, let’s just say that.
“I’ve just been a sandbagging S.O.B. the whole year – thirds, fourths, fifths… you might as well just win.
“To not only win but to also get a one-two, it’s insane. It’s huge.
“I’m for once lost for words.”
Alex Pattle12 September 2021 15:37
Italian Grand Prix: Daniel Ricciardo wins
Norris: “Four years ago I joined the team, we’ve been working towards this and finally we have a one-two. I’m happy for Daniel.
“You wanna go for it, but I’m also here for the long-term and for the team. I’m happy finishing second, I’m happy for Daniel, I’ll get my chance.”
Alex Pattle12 September 2021 15:35
Italian Grand Prix: Daniel Ricciardo wins
With third-placed Perez receiving a five-second penalty, the Red Bull driver drops to fifth. As such, Bottas – who started at the back of the grid – completes the podium behind Ricciardo and Norris.
Alex Pattle12 September 2021 15:32
Italian Grand Prix: Daniel Ricciardo wins
Ricciardo will also earn a bonus point for fastest lap of the day!
Alex Pattle12 September 2021 15:30
Italian Grand Prix: Daniel Ricciardo wins
“To anyone who thinks I left, I never left,” Ricciardo tells the team radio.
Meanwhile, McLaren teammate Norris is ecstatic with his second-place finish.
A McLaren one-two at Monza.
Alex Pattle12 September 2021 15:28
Italian Grand Prix: Daniel Ricciardo wins
THERE IT IS!
Daniel Ricciardo wins the Italian Grand Prix! His first victory in three years!
The McLaren man overtook Max Verstappen from second place on the opening lap and has maintained his lead, his teammate Lando Norris crossing the line second following Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen’s crash earlier!
Alex Pattle12 September 2021 15:25
Italian Grand Prix: Lap 51
Lance Stroll is under investigation for allegedly failing to slow down enough under a yellow flag.
Alex Pattle12 September 2021 15:22