Trajectories once again opposed for Ricciardo and Verstappen at Monza

Daniel Ricciardo jumped from 16th to 4th place!

Once again this season, the Australian has boosted his confidence! After securing pole position on Saturday, the Perth native treated us to a thunderous race on Sunday.

« I am very happy with the result and the way I achieved it! » commented “Dan the Man,” naturally all smiles after his impressive ride.

We owe him part of the show on the track. After doing the job by gaining eleven places during his first stint (with a magnificent first maneuver on Pérez at the braking of the second chicane, T3), the former Toro Rosso driver was able to come out in fifth position, ahead of Ocon and Stroll. His masterpiece will remain this daring overtake on Kimi Räikkönen on the 41st lap; at the first chicane this time, without warning!

« I was excited with all those good overtakes. Regarding Kimi, I give him all my respect, he was clean and fair. After that, I was able to see Seb (Vettel) at the end of the race. So I pushed until the end! »

Third at Spa, the #3 has no regrets about losing a place in seven days. He still gave the Tifosi a few cold sweats. A small miracle given the circumstances.

The guys made the fastest pit stop and I also got the fastest lap, so it was really cool! We can almost call it a perfect day! We couldn’t do more from where we started. Being on the podium would have been unreal, but it will be for next year. This race is a boost for the whole team, and we are looking forward to Singapore!

Max Verstappen (10th): A mess, once again

What is happening to the Dutchman in 2017? Considered an outsider by bookmakers at the start of the season, the almost twenty-year-old mainly accumulates problems of all kinds. His Italian Grand Prix is another example of this.

Holder of the pole position on Saturday before the hammer blow from Hamilton, Max Verstappen was nevertheless off to a very good start from his thirteenth place. His hopes for big points collided with Felipe Massa’s front wing. In this move towards the first chicane, there was no room for two cars…

« I got off to a good start, immediately getting between the Saubers. On the third lap, I had a collision with Massa and got a flat tire. My race seemed to be over then. »

In a winner-takes-all, Max Verstappen therefore left behind his teammate, who takes eleven additional points.

« I had to stop by the pits to change the front wing. I switched to a two-stop strategy. I tried to catch up with the cars ahead of me. Mine was working really well, I can’t complain about that! »

The knife between his teeth, the youngest Grand Prix winner tried to make up for lost time. However, it was indeed his defense that nearly cost him his 10th place. Just after his overtake on Magnussen, his defense was aggressive, forcing the Dane to slow down, or risk ending up outside in the Variante della Roggia (second chicane).

Sure of his strength, Verstappen feigned not to understand why he was being accused in this way.

Honestly, I didn’t really feel like I caused an incident. So, I don’t really care!

« At least we finished the race! I think it’s not too bad to score a point with what happened at the start. »

This little point won’t change things. At 76 points behind Ricciardo in the standings, Verstappen is losing ground in the team’s internal duel. His talent, however, is undeniable, as evidenced by his ease on wet Saturdays. But is it just a matter of bad luck? Let’s wait for Singapore! He can’t afford another missed opportunity…