After returning in Zandvoort, Formula 1 heads to round 15 for the Italian Grand Prix at the famous Monza circuit, which is one of the few tracks that appeared on the calendar since the sport's start in 1950.
Max Verstappen took victory at last year's Italian Grand Prix (Image Credit: Alessio Morgese/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Will the curse strike again?
Over the past few years, we have seen the winner of the Italian Grand Prix end up retiring from the race the following year. Three consecutive drivers have experienced this in the past three years, who are:
Charles Leclerc - 2019 winner, 2020 DNF
Pierre Gasly - 2020 winner, 2021 DNF
Daniel Ricciardo - 2021 winner, 2022 DNF
The winner of the 2022 Italian Grand Prix was Max Verstappen. Will the curse strike the Dutchman, leading to a retirement from this year's Italian Grand Prix?
If Verstappen did retire from the race, the Dutchman would not break Sebastian Vettel's record of nine consecutive race wins. The reigning world champion equalled the German's record at his home race in Zandvoort. However, a victory at Monza would break the four-time world champion's record.
Ferrari to bounce back at their home race?
The Scuderia had a very disappointing race last weekend at the Dutch Grand Prix. Charles Leclerc had to retire from the race with major floor damage, whereas Carlos Sainz only had the pace to cling onto fifth place.
The general feeling with the team is that the SF-23 car does not work well on high-downforce circuits, revealing that they will have a new car concept for the 2024 season. Both Ferrari drivers complained of the unpredictability of the SF-23 during the practice sessions. It even ended up with Leclerc crashing in qualifying as the car had a loose rear end.
However, the Maranello team believes that the car works a lot better at low-downforce circuits. Leclerc managed to secure a podium finish at the Belgian Grand Prix, finishing only behind both Red Bull drivers.
The Monza circuit is known for needing little downforce with its long straights and slow-moving chicanes. Therefore, Ferrari are confident in bouncing back at their home race.
The Tifosi will be hoping for a good race from their home team. Leclerc came close in 2022, narrowly missing out to Verstappen. However, they have also experienced pain with both cars retiring from the race in 2020.
Predictions
I am predicting that the curse will strike again to the previous race winner Max Verstappen. The Dutchman - before his win in 2022 - had already experienced terrible luck at Monza. Therefore, I believe he will retire from the race.
Race winner - Lewis Hamilton
Podium - Charles Leclerc, Lando Norris
Polesitter - Max Verstappen
Darkhorse - Alex Albon
Biggest disappointment - Sergio Perez
Nathan Hartley
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