Verstappen issues ‘I’m still here’ statement as title battle creates talking point

Max Verstappen dominated the Italian Grand Prix, seeing off early pressure from Lando Norris. A late, slow pit stop for Norris created a talking point in an otherwise dull race at Monza.

Verstappen bustled into an early lead, despite ceding track position on the team’s recommendation after he was judged to have gained an advantage at the first corner - the Dutchman made his way back to the front early on, and never looked back.

📸Verstappen passes Norris. He’s now 63 points behind the Brit in the Championship,

To add to his record pole lap on Saturday, the four time champion set the new record for the fastest F1 race of all time, completing his tour of ‘The Temple of Speed’ in 1:13.24.325 eclipsing Michael Schumacher’s previous 1:14:19.838 set in 2003 - just the second time the record has been beaten in 54 years.

McLaren became a notable point as they pitted Oscar Piastri first, at request of Lando Norris, who was passed by Piastri after an issue on the front right. At team’s request; Piastri handed back the position to Norris - a move that created a talking point on social media post race. Would Norris have handed it back? Can nice guys get wins? Why were the championship protagonists focusing on drivers ahead and behind when they battle is with each other? Aren’t slow pit stops just a part of racing?

📸 Piastri could have used Norris’ misfortune to extend his Championship lead but played the team game.

Otherwise, the Grand Prix was nothing special - with retirements for Nico Hulkenberg and Fernando Alonso really the only things of note aside from a pitlane to points drive for Isack Hadjar.

📸 Alonso suffered a fourth DNF of the season.

Onto Baku.

📸 Image credits: Red Bull Content Pool, Formula Motorsport Limited, McLaren, Aston Martin.