In Formula One, qualifying is often considered to be the main focus, getting the headlines. Sunday is the most important part of the weekend, Sunday is for the glory… and the all-important points. So while I was impressed with Carlos Sianz’s pole position for Ferrari I was never convinced the prancing horse would gallop to victory come Sunday. And so it was. Ferrari on pole, Red Bull second, Carlos Sainz vs Max Verstappen. Ferrari has a competitive single-lap pace, the problem is, and it is a known problem, Ferrari’s race pace is not on the level of Red Bull and Max Verstappen.

Sainz courageously held his ground for 15 laps against Max Verstappen, but he was unable to withstand the relentless pursuit of the Red Bull. Once Verstappen inevitably passed Sainz, he quickly pulled away and left the Ferrari in his turbulent, aerodynamic wake. While Max Verstappen drove to another part of the Universe, behind him was an entertaining race.

Towards the closing stages, with both Ferraris unable to battle the Red Bull of Verstappen and Perez, they decided to battle one another for the last place on the podium giving the Italian fans something to believe in. Sainz won a very tight battle with team mate Leclerc. However, at the 2023 Italian Grand Prix, Red Bull again demonstrated their sheer superiority, and in Max Verstappen, a persistent winning spirit.

Yes, Max Verstappen broke another F1 record adding 10 consecutive wins to his name. However, with eight races to go the 2023 F1 world championship is over, Max Verstappen is the winner.

2023 Italian Grand Prix: Race Results

1 Max VERSTAPPEN Red Bull Racing 1:12:13.618 51 laps
2 Sergio PEREZ Red Bull Racing +6.802
3 Carlos SAINZ Ferrari +11.082
4 Charles LECLERC Ferrari +11.508
5 George RUSSELL Mercedes +18.294
6 Lewis HAMILTON Mercedes +38.903
7 Alexander ALBON Williams +45.080
8 Lando NORRIS McLaren +45.212
9 Fernando ALONSO Aston Martin +46.370
10 Valtteri BOTTAS Alfa Romeo +64.764
11 Logan SARGEANT Williams +70.573
12 Oscar PIASTRI McLaren +71.480
13 Liam LAWSON AlphaTauri +71.772
14 Lance STROLL Aston Martin +81.387
15 Guanyu ZHOU Alfa Romeo +83.016
16 Pierre GASLY Alpine +83.017
17 Nico HULKENBERG Haas F1 Team +1 lap
18 Kevin MAGNUSSEN Haas F1 Team +1 lap