Monza Grand Prix preview
This Sunday, the final Grand Prix of the Formula One triple header takes place at the historic Monza circuit.
This Italian track has been around since 1922 and is known in recent history as the track of unexpected winners, with Charles Leclerc in 2019, Pierre Gasly in 2020, and Daniel Riccardo in 2021.
Speaking of the reigning Monza champ, the honey badger will be looking for more of that magic from last season. His constant struggles at Mclaren have led to a contract termination and a replacement for next year in the form of Oscar Piastri.
Riccardo will want a decent finish this weekend if he wants a seat for next season, with rumors continuing to swirl around him and Haas.
Riccardo’s current teammate, Lando Norris, will be looking for just his second podium of the season. His only podium so far came at another Italian circuit in Imola.
Sticking with former Monza winners, Charles Leclerc will be looking to bounce back after a string of disappointing finishes for him and Ferrari. Whether it be a driver's mistake or the several disastrous strategies from Ferrari, nothing can go right for the Italian constructors.
The 24-year-old needs a podium finish if he wants to make the World Driver’s Championship a little more competitive.
Ferrari will also be running a special livery this weekend in honor of 75 years of the company.
While the new red and yellow look is beautiful, most teams have bad luck when showing a new livery. Most noticeably Mercedes at the 2019 German Grand Prix.
Max Verstappen, the current Championship leader, will take a five-place grid penalty for a new engine. He joins several other drivers starting at the back of the grid, including Carlos Sainz, Lewis Hamilton, Sergio Perez, Yuki Tsunoda, and Valterri Bottas.
Tsunoda was involved in a bit of controversy last weekend when he suddenly stopped his car immediately after a pit stop. Fans around the sport speculated this move was to benefit Alpha Tauri’s sister team, Red Bull.
Tsunoda immediately shut down those rumors, and the FIA seemed no further investigation was necessary.
The penalty offers little to no issue for Verstappen however, who started from 14th for the Belgian Grand Prix and still came home first.
The Dutchman currently has 310 points in the standings and a massive 109-point lead over Leclerc in second place.
It seems like just a matter of time before Verstappen clinches the title yet again, barring an improbable comeback from Ferrari and Leclerc.
If there was ever a place to start a comeback, it would be at Monza, and the Tifosi in the stands and around Italy will be praying for a good finish.
Josh Bartosik is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email jsb6137@psu.edu
