Could Charles Leclerc Repeat Last Year’s Monza Success?

A little over a year ago, on the first day of September at exactly 16:16, Italy erupted in screams. Church bells rang and flags waved in windows, all because Charles Leclerc was the first driver to cross the finish line in Monza. Now, the most famous Italian race is about to play out once more. The Tifosi hope that ‘Il Predestinato’ will be able to repeat his success, but is that possible in a season completely dominated by McLaren?

The Great Monza 2024

No one expected just how incredible the Italian Grand Prix would be when it first began. As was the case for many races in 2024, the two McLarens started the race from the front row, with George Russell and Charles Leclerc following suit. Ferrari’s golden boy managed a first-corner overtake that put him right behind Oscar Piastri. Although he did lose the position eventually, it was a move that breathed hope into the hearts of all fans draped in red.

After the first wave of pit stops, the McLarens were leading, with Leclerc right behind. It seemed like there would be no chance for him to fight for the lead, given that his Ferrari was considered to be much slower than the orange car ahead. The predictions changed when Piastri decided that he could not last on his hard tires until the end of the race and pitted for the second time. Lando Norris had already made a second stop, which meant that the Monegasque became the new race leader.

For the remaining laps, Leclerc was chased down by Oscar Piastri. Every time the cars passed through the start/finish straight, the Australian was just a bit closer, but he never managed to get close enough. Although it was a result that no one had expected, a Ferrari driver won in Monza. The sea of fans dressed in red erupted with joy.