From Schumacher's Tears to Leclerc's Triumph: Seven Iconic Monza Moments
Monza, the Temple of Speed, has hosted countless memorable moments in F1 history. From emotional victories to first-time triumphs, these seven highlights capture the essence of the Italian Grand Prix.
As the Italian Grand Prix draws near, let's take a stroll down memory lane to relive some of Monza's most unforgettable moments.
Leclerc Thrills the Tifosi
Winning at Monza in a Ferrari is the stuff of dreams, and Charles Leclerc lived that dream in 2019. He clinched victory on home soil, securing his second career win in Formula 1. "There were people as far as I could see," Leclerc recalled, overwhelmed by the sea of red that cheered him on.
Schumacher's Emotional Victory
Michael Schumacher, synonymous with Ferrari, experienced one of his most emotional wins at Monza in 2000. After missing the previous year, he returned to claim his 41st career victory, equalling Ayrton Senna's tally. The moment brought tears to his eyes during the post-race press conference.
Celebrating Ferrari's 90th
In 2019, Ferrari marked its 90th anniversary with a grand event in Milan. Piazza Duomo was awash with red as fans and past Ferrari drivers gathered to celebrate the team's storied history, turning the Italian Grand Prix weekend into a festival of speed and nostalgia.
Gasly's Maiden Win
The 2020 Italian Grand Prix was unusual, held behind closed doors due to the pandemic. Yet for Pierre Gasly, it was a day to remember. Racing for AlphaTauri, he secured his first ever Formula 1 victory, making history for Italy's 'other team'.
Vettel's Breakthrough
Before Gasly, Sebastian Vettel had a similar fairytale at Monza. In 2008, driving for Toro Rosso, he shocked the paddock by taking pole position and then converting it into his first win, marking the beginning of a remarkable career.
Ricciardo's Shoey Celebration
Monza is special for Daniel Ricciardo, who ended a three-year victory drought there in 2021 while driving for McLaren. Leading from start to finish, Ricciardo capped his win with his trademark 'shoey', much to the delight of teammate Lando Norris and McLaren boss Zak Brown.
Hamilton's Stylish Entrance
Last year, Lewis Hamilton made a splash at his first Italian Grand Prix as a Ferrari driver. He arrived on a motorbike painted in the Italian flag's colors, embracing his new team with flair. Although he finished sixth, he remains a strong contender for this year's race.
Monza, with its rich history and passionate fans, continues to be a cornerstone of Formula 1, promising more unforgettable moments in the years to come.