Charles Leclerc has ended Ferrari's five-year wait for another victory at the Italian Grand Prix by triumphing in Sunday's race.
Starting fourth on the grid, the expectation was that Leclerc and other contenders for the win at Monza would have to play second fiddle to the McLarens.
That would have been the case had Leclerc not pull off a daring strategy, racing the final 38 laps on the hard tyres and staying ahead of Oscar Piastri by just 2.664 seconds.
Although Piastri was closing strongly in the closing stages as he chased a second Grand Prix success, it mattered little as Leclerc kept his composure as the grip on his tyres worn away.
Lando Norris had to make do with third position, the British driver losing his lead to teammate Piastri on the first lap and having to battle valiantly just to stay in contention for a podium.
With a fastest lap on the final lap, Norris accumulates eight more points than Championship leader Max Verstappen, who had to settle for sixth.
Let the party BEGIN 🥳#F1 #ItalianGP pic.twitter.com/LDTVN38n0o
— Formula 1 (@F1) September 1, 2024
What did Leclerc have to say?
This was Leclerc's second victory at Monza and seventh in his Formula 1 career, yet the 26-year-old indicated that it was his most memorable yet.
Speaking after the race, Leclerc said: "It's an incredible feeling.
"I thought if there was a second time it wouldn't feel as special but my god the emotions in the last few laps, exactly the same as 2019, just watching the grandstands instead of the track."
Let it sink in, @Charles_Leclerc 🤩
— Formula 1 (@F1) September 1, 2024
For the second time, you're an Italian Grand Prix WINNER! 🙌 🇮🇹#F1 #ItalianGP pic.twitter.com/ayNabul2GG
How does the drivers' standings look?
Verstappen's lead at the top of the standings has been reduced to 62 points with eight races still remaining on the calendar.
Leclerc can probably be ruled out of title contention, yet he is now just 24 points adrift of second-placed Norris and 20 in front of Piastri in fourth.
Carlos Sainz Jr came home in fourth spot, ahead of Lewis Hamilton, and he now holds a 20-point lead in fifth position in the rankings.
George Russell, Sergio Perez, Alexander Albon and Kevin Magnussen completed the top 10 on Sunday.
