At least in Monza it could be number one on the starting grid for Ferrari star Leclerc. Rivals like Verstappen, Hamilton and Sainz will be transferred as a penalty, that’s already certain.
Charles Leclerc has fueled the Tifosi’s hopes of a pole position in Ferrari’s home Formula 1 race.
The winner of the race at the Autodromo Nationale di Monza in 2019 could also benefit from the grid penalties against some of his competitors during qualifying on Saturday (September 10th, 2022) – above all world champion Max Verstappen in the Red Bull and Monza record winner Lewis Hamilton in the Mercedes.
Leclerc and Sainz fastest in training
In the practice laps on Friday, Leclerc only had to admit defeat to his own teammate Carlos Sainz and Verstappen in the second free practice session after the best time in the first session.
On the other hand, things did not go well for Ferrari junior Mick Schumacher. First he had to leave his car to the Italian Antonio Giovinazzi, then the defective engine of the Haas stopped him after half an hour in the early evening. Nothing went after only nine laps.
Williams boss Capito praises Schumacher
Of course, the setback in training is not ideal for Schumacher. He was only able to gain a little experience on the track, but every result counts in the fight for a new contract for the 2023 season. Alongside Haas, he also appears to be an option at Williams next year to replace Nicholas Latifi. “The Mick is very fast and a good guy. He should be on every list of the teams that have a seat left.”said team manager Jost Capito clearly.
Sebastian Vettel, who clinched his first pole and win at Monza in 2008, finished 17th in the Aston Martin. The 35-year-old designated PS pensioner had left his car to the Dutchman Nyck de Vries in the first unit.
Verstappen always has a chance of winning
For Leclerc, who has so far been very cautious in the fight for victory on Sunday (3 p.m.), pole position for the European final of this season should be within the realm of the very possible. Verstappen has to go back five places, his teammate Sergio Perez ten and Leclerc’s own teammate Carlos Sainz 20, so like Hamilton in the Mercedes, ultimately at the end of the field.
The teams chose Monza to install new parts above the permitted contingent primarily because it is easy to overtake on the high-speed circuit with a full-throttle share of over 75 percent – especially with a car like that of Verstappen, the leader in the classification.
So the 24-year-old Dutchman definitely has a chance of winning if he ultimately stays in the top ten on the starting grid. His lead over Lecerlc and Perez in the overall standings is 109 points. Mathematically, depending on the outcome of the Italian race, Verstappen could then secure his second title in a row in Singapore at the beginning of October.