Italian GP resumes at Monza after Leclerc crash

The opening lap at Monza has already delivered drama, with Lewis Hamilton urging Ferrari to maximise the car’s weight distribution as the race begins. French rookie Pierre Gasly, who started from pole, held the lead into the first corner, keeping both Mercedes’ George Russell and the Ferrari pair in his rear‑view mirror. The early battle set the tone for the high‑speed circuit, where every millisecond counts.

Ferrari’s strategy has been clear from the start: the team began on soft tyres, aiming for a blistering launch while most of the field opted for medium compounds. The race is expected to be a one‑stop affair, with the majority of drivers switching to hard tyres in their single pit stop. Some analysts, however, suggest that Ferrari may deviate from the norm and transition from soft to medium, hoping to maintain a competitive edge over rivals who will likely stay on hard tyres for the final stint.

As the race unfolds, the tyre strategy and early pace will be decisive. With Hamilton’s pressure on Ferrari and Gasly’s strong start, the midfield battles will hinge on how effectively teams execute their planned stops. The Monza event promises to test both speed and strategy, as drivers and teams navigate the circuit’s demanding layout and the unpredictable influence of tyre choices.