In a breathtaking display at the Italian Grand Prix, Max Verstappen has not only clinched victory but has also etched his name into the annals of Formula 1 history by obliterating a record previously held by the legendary Michael Schumacher. The Red Bull driver executed a masterclass performance at Monza, completing the race in an astonishing 1 hour, 13 minutes, and 23 seconds, achieving an average speed of 264.681 km/h. This remarkable feat eclipses Schumacher’s long-standing record of 1 hour, 14 minutes, and 19.838 seconds set during the 2003 Italian Grand Prix, marking a new era of speed in the sport.
Verstappen’s triumph came after a fierce battle on the track, showcasing his skill and determination. Following a challenging first lap where he briefly lost the lead to McLaren’s Lando Norris, Verstappen swiftly regained control just three laps in. From that moment, he unleashed a relentless pace that saw him pull away from the competition, ultimately finishing with a staggering 20-second advantage over his nearest rival. “It was a great day for us. Lap 1 was a bit unlucky but after that we were flying,” Verstappen commented, reflecting on a race where his car felt perfectly tuned and responsive. He praised the performance, especially during the latter stages, stating, “With the hard tyres at the end you can push a bit more, and the whole weekend we were on it. It’s super enjoyable to win here.”
This victory was particularly significant given the struggles faced by Red Bull at Monza the previous year, where balance and speed were elusive. In stark contrast, Verstappen’s car this time was a marvel of precision and power, allowing him to dominate while his competitors grappled with tire strategies and team dynamics. “This was an unbelievable weekend,” he added. “I could see the pace was there; I just needed to settle in and manage the race. Quite quickly we were back in control.”
Verstappen’s record-breaking weekend didn’t stop at the race itself; he also claimed the fastest lap in F1 history during qualifying with a blistering time of 1m18.792s, averaging 164.466 mph. This achievement narrowly surpassed Lewis Hamilton’s previous record from 2020, setting the stage for an exhilarating race day.
As Verstappen celebrated his third career victory at Monza, he left Italy reinvigorated in a season that has tested his resilience. Although the cheers of the crowd did not herald a Ferrari victory, they bore witness to history being made as one of Formula 1’s modern greats redefined what it means to dominate at the pinnacle of motorsport. The Italian Grand Prix will forever be remembered not just for the race itself, but for the monumental shift in the record books, as Verstappen continues to shape the future of Formula 1.
