Max Verstappen makes history, 10th consecutive F1 win at Italian Grand Prix

Max Verstappen continued his historic Formula One winning streak by claiming his 10th consecutive victory at the Italian Grand Prix on Sunday. Racing at Ferrari’s home track, Monza, Verstappen secured another Red Bull’s one-two finish, with teammate Sergio Pérez following closely behind.

Two-time defending champion Verstappen performed flawlessly on the iconic Monza circuit, finishing 6.802 seconds ahead of teammate Sergio Pérez. Carlos Sainz Jr. of Ferrari secured the third position, trailing Verstappen by 11.082 seconds and narrowly edging out his teammate, Charles Leclerc, in a fierce battle for the final podium spot.

So, at the Italian Grand Prix:
-Max scored his tenth consecutive win, breaking Seb's record
-Oscar achieved his first fastest lap
-Carlos had his first podium at Monza with Ferrari

That's incredible ✨ pic.twitter.com/pUPytfli5P

— Osservatore Sportivo (@OsOfficialF1) September 3, 2023

Sainz’s Strong Defense

Verstappen, who had started the race in second place behind Sainz, managed to overtake him on lap 15, solidifying his lead and maintaining the Red Bull team’s dominant pace throughout the season. Sainz, who put up a strong defense against Verstappen’s attempts to pass him, admitted, “To keep up with the Red Bulls, I paid the price with the rear tires, but I did everything I could to defend.”

Season of Dominance

Verstappen’s victory not only marked his second consecutive win at Monza but also extended his commanding lead in the championship to a staggering 145 points. This season has been a display of sheer dominance by the 25-year-old Dutchman, claming victory in 12 out of the 14 races, solidifying Red Bull’s unbeaten record. He said, “I never would have believed that was possible, but we had to work for it today and that definitely made it a lot more fun.”

Verstappen’s impressive feat also matched Sebastian Vettel’s Formula One record of nine straight wins, achieved last weekend at the Dutch Grand Prix, with Pérez securing the other two victories for Red Bull.

In the end, George Russell secured fifth place, followed by Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton, who maintained his position despite a five-second penalty for colliding with Oscar Piastri. Alex Albon secured seventh place, with Lando Norris, Fernando Alonso, and Valtteri Bottas completing the top 10.

Verstappen’s Third Consecutive F1 Title

Verstappen’s historic win at Monza further solidifies his status as a dominant force in Formula One as he continues to eye a third consecutive F1 title, breaking records along the way.