Formula 1 News: Leclerc gives Ferrari big win in 2024 Italian GP

With the crowd cheering him on, Charles Leclerc used a 1-stop strategy to beat the McLaren’s of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris to give Ferrari a popular hometown Italian GP win and send the tifosi into a frenzy at Monza.

–by Mark Cipolloni–

Leclerc, on 30 lap old worn tires was able to hold off the faster Piastri by 2.664s as the crowd went berserk as Leclerc won his 2nd Italian GP win for Ferrari.

“It’s an incredible feeling, actually I thought that the first time would feel like this and the second time wouldn’t feel as special,” said a very happy Leclerc. “But my god the emotions in the last few laps, Monaco and Monza are the two races I want to win every year, and I’ve managed to win them this year. It is so, so special.

“The tifosi were incredible, mamma mia!

“I think our package was working well for Monza whether it works for the rest of the season – McLaren are still the favorites, but we have definitely moved a step closer. Grazie mille!”

“Forza Ferrari!” 🔴

An emotional Charles Leclerc addresses his people 🇮🇹 pic.twitter.com/aPc3SZ5ibP

— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) September 1, 2024

ot of things right today, there were question marks on the strategy. Doing a one-stop looked like a risky call, and in the end it was right. Happy with the race, the pace I achieved, but when you finish second it hurts.

“Today we unfortunately got it a bit wrong, we had everything to lose from being in the lead. Charles could try something different, as he’d finish third either way. Painful.”

Polesitter Lando Norris had to settle for third place as the Brit got thoroughly beat by his teammate Piastri and Leclerc.

“Of course [Piastri caught me by surprise] because he got past,” said Norris. “But Ferrari drove a better race today, so hats off to them. We considered [a one-stop] the whole race but it was impossible with our graining. Just disappointed. Ferrari did a better job, so hats off to them.”

Carlos Sainz Jr. came home 4th in the #55 Ferrari, 15.6s behind Leclerc.

Lewis Hamilton rounded out the top-5 for Mercedes, 22.8s behind Leclerc.

Championship leader Max Verstappen had to settle for 6th place, his Red Bull way off the pace of the leaders. Verstappen was a massive 37.9s behind Leclerc. Verstappen now sees his point lead to Norris cut to 62 points 303 vs. 241 points

George Russell and Sergio Perez were 7h and 8th, while Alex Albon and Kevin Magnussen rounded out the top-10.

That’s five years in a row that the man starting on pole hasn’t won the Italian Grand Prix, Leclerc the last man to do so back in 2019.

McLaren are now just eight points behind Red Bull in the constructors’ incidentally. That one is definitely up for grabs, and don’t discount Ferrari from that either…

2024 Italian GP Results – 53 Laps