What a race! Steeped in history and prestige, Monza continues to be one of the most exciting race weekends on the F1 calendar.
Vettel in a league of his own...
Seb has been practically unstoppable this year and his 112 point lead in the Championship means that his status as double World Champion is now inevitable. A load of wheelspin off the start for Seb, combined with an excellent and bold start from Fernando Alonso saw Vettel lose position at the start but it was clear for all to see that this would be short-lived. The decisions Sebastian and Red Bull had taken regarding gear shifting meant that Seb's car was perfectly set up for race conditions and while Fernando certainly made it difficult for Vettel to pass, forcing him onto the grass, he easily regained his lead. From then onwards, Seb controlled his race and despite a late charge from Button, the win was never in doubt. This is very much a race for 2nd in the Championship now...and a very close race at that.
Button beats Hamilton again...
Button impressed again today - he drove a great race, taking risks where needed. He lost positions at the start but as Michael Schumacher held Hamilton, Jenson quickly found himself hot on their heels. Initially biding his time and hanging back, Jenson clearly had a very fast car and was frustrated to be held up behind Hamilton and Schumacher. There were times when the trio were so close that it was hard to watch, but as Hamilton made a mistake, Button capitalised and managed to take Michael quite easily - surprising given how long Lewis had spent (and continued to spend) behind him. As the final pit stops were nearly upon us, Button was gaining quickly on Alonson who was evidently lacking grip and, knowing how much the Ferraris struggle on the hard tyres, it was almost a dead cert that Button would pass Alonso for second. After a tough start 2nd was definitely the very best result Button could have hoped for today.
Alonso does the Tifosi proud...
Another excellent start from Alonso delighted the Italian crowd and while they may have been disappointed to see him fade in the later stages of the race, 3rd was certainly an achievement for Ferrari today. Indeed, one or two more laps and it may have been Hamilton on the bottom step of the podium instead of Alonso. Ferrari's lacklustre season will really be hurting the passionate Tifosi, but they have a new hero in Fernando Alonso and while he was unable to repeat last year's race win, he maximised the car's performance today and the early loss of Mark Webber actually sees Alonso moved to 2nd in the Drivers' Championship.
A glimpse of the Schumacher of old...
How fantastic to see Michael Schumacher back in the thick of it?! A superb start and some excellent defensive driving meant that Schumacher was right up in the action...Yes some of his moves were slightly questionable but I don't think it was clear cut enough to penalise him as the second movement was arguably a return to the racing line...A podium was never really on the cards for Mercedes today but Michael provided some really exciting on-track action.
Great racing across the field...
Jaime Alguersuari, Sebastian Buemi, Paul diResta and Bruno Senna were also hugely exciting today with Bruno Senna arguably showing the Renault team that they were correct to give him a contract for the rest of the season.
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