2021 Italian Grand Prix predictions: can Ferrari claim another Monza win amid the ongoing Formula 1 rivalry between Hamilton and Verstappen?

After an electric comeback racing weekend in Zandvoort, the next Grand Prix is ​​on one of the fastest F1 tracks on the racing calendar – Monza. The 2020 Italian Grand Prix was arguably the most unpredictable race of the season, with Pierre Gasly, Carlos Sainz and Lance Stroll dominating the podium.

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In the meantime, Lewis Hamilton was at the bottom of the grid, Valtteri Bottas struggled with damage and Max Verstappen in the garage. So what does Monza have in store for us this time after an ecstatic race in 2019?

Max Verstappen versus Lewis Hamilton

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After a short gap, Verstappen is back at the top of the table. The incidents in Silverstone and Hungaroring meant that Verstappen’s steadily built lead faded and Hamilton consistently replaced the Dutchman.

Of course, Verstappen has fought his way back since the end of the summer break. Nevertheless, the difference is only 3 points at the moment and the title fight could swing in both directions.

Formula 1 F1 – Holland Grand Prix – Circuit Zandvoort, Zandvoort, Netherlands – September 5, 2021 Red Bulls Max Verstappen celebrates with Mercedes Lewis Hamilton on the podium with champagne after winning the pool race via REUTERS / Francisco Seco

The seven-time world champion who is coming to Monza will be wary of the rapid Red Bull pace and the chances are good that Verstappen will win the Italian GP. The Milton Keynes team have looked very strong this season on high-speed tracks including Baku, Bahrain and Austria.

So the trend could very well continue in Italy.

Can Ferrari F1 deliver before the Tifosi?

Charles Leclerc ended the 2019 Italian Grand Prix with a win in a Ferrari. Since then, Ferrari has not had a good run at Monza or Imola. However, the Ferrari duo present could end the drought for the team this weekend.

Formula 1 F1 – Styria Grand Prix – Red Bull Ring, Styria, Austria – June 25, 2021 Ferraris Carlos Sainz Jr. and Ferraris Charles Leclerc in action during training REUTERS / Leonhard Foeger

Ferrari’s pace has improved significantly amid strong performances at Spa and Zandvoort. Hence, with massive straights at Monza, there are strong chances that either Sainz or Leclerc could restore Silverstone success.

As McLaren begins to struggle, the pressure on Ferrari is gradually relieved. So this is the perfect time for the Italian outfit to step up.

Williams F1 battling midfield?

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Williams was pretty impressive at Monza regardless of his form. In 2017, Lance Stroll almost missed an F1 pole. And just 3 years later, in 2020, Nicholas Latifi almost got his first points for Williams despite the obvious problems.

Formula 1 F1 – Belgian Grand Prix – Spa-Francorchamps, Spa, Belgium – August 28, 2021 Williams’ George Russell celebrates after qualifying the second pool over REUTERS / John Thys

Now, in the last few races, the Williams duo was doing well and secured 20 points from Hungary and Belgium. So this weekend in Monza there is another colon for George Russell and Latifi.

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All in all, there is a lot to look forward to at the Italian GP this weekend. The biggest question, however, is who will come out on top? Will it be possible to place another unlikely driver at the top this year? We’ll know soon enough.

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