The 2021 Italian Grand Prix at Monza delivered a rare McLaren 1-2 finish, fundamentally shaped by a pivotal collision between championship protagonists Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton that reshaped the race narrative and the title fight.
Qualifying
Sprint qualifying set the grid for Sunday's main event, with Valtteri Bottas winning the sprint race, but a power unit penalty meant he started the Grand Prix from 19th position. This elevated Max Verstappen to pole, with Daniel Ricciardo starting second and Lando Norris third, positioning McLaren strongly. Lewis Hamilton, after a challenging sprint, found himself starting fourth. The grid was thus set for a high-speed contest at the Autodromo Nazionale di Monza, a circuit renowned for its long straights and chicanes, often leading to dramatic racing as seen in previous events like the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix where strategic positioning is key.
Race
From the start, Daniel Ricciardo launched his McLaren with precision, immediately taking the lead from Max Verstappen into Turn 1. Lando Norris also made a strong getaway, holding his third position. The opening laps saw Ricciardo establish a rhythm at the front, with Verstappen in pursuit. The race was interrupted early by a Safety Car, triggered by an incident involving Antonio Giovinazzi. As the race progressed, the pit stop phase became critical. On Lap 25, a dramatic collision unfolded between Verstappen and Hamilton at the Rettifilo chicane following their respective pit stops. Both championship contenders retired from the race, a significant turn of events that opened the door for others. This incident, a defining moment of the season, is a reminder of the fine margins in Formula 1, where even minor contact can have major repercussions for the FIA F1 World Championship. Behind the leaders, Valtteri Bottas, starting from 19th, executed a remarkable recovery drive through the field, showcasing the ' pace and his own ability to navigate traffic, a skill often tested at circuits like the .