The 2026 Italian Grand Prix may have ended with a familiar winner, who took a more straightforward victory than expected. But the road to that result over the weekend at Monza was far more complex.
Ferrari's defeat at their home race should have been routine. However, the manner of their poor performance in front of the tifosi made it more painful.
Ferrari's Flaws Exposed at Monza
Ferrari's upgraded engine is not a miracle cure for a track that does not suit their car's strengths. But the problems at Monza went beyond the power unit. The collision between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc at the first chicane, followed by Leclerc's immediate crash, compounded their misery.
A messy qualifying session, with issues in towing and run plans, added fuel to the internal fire. Hamilton expressed his disappointment, especially for the fans and the factory team.
“We didn't execute well yesterday, and the same today. Sometimes it's just not enough; you need everything to come together,” said Hamilton.
Antonelli: Monza's New Hero
Ferrari's failure would normally leave the Monza crowd dejected. But this weekend was different. Kimi Antonelli became the new hero. Starting from 19th, he took a stunning victory in front of his home crowd.
His composure under pressure stood out. Toto Wolff praised Antonelli's remarkable progress since last year. “He has come out of the blocks in a way no one saw coming. The way he has processed last year's pressure is impressive,” said Wolff.
This win not only confirmed Antonelli's talent but also served as a wake-up call for Ferrari, who self-destructed at their home race.
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