Italian Grand Prix 2008 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Sebastian Vettel produced one of the most stunning performances in Formula 1 history to win the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, becoming the youngest race winner in the sport's history at just 21 years and 73 days old. The German driver led from pole position to the checkered flag in treacherous wet conditions, controlling the race with maturity and skill far beyond his years while driving for Toro Rosso - Red Bull's junior team - in what remains one of F1's greatest underdog victories.

Vettel's pole position lap in the wet on Saturday had already announced his arrival as a future champion, but his race performance was even more remarkable. Starting from the front in difficult conditions, the young German made a perfect start and immediately pulled away from the field. His car control in the rain was exceptional, threading his Toro Rosso through the soaking Monza circuit with supreme confidence. As more experienced rivals struggled and made mistakes, Vettel remained ice-cool at the front, never putting a wheel wrong despite intense pressure from the chasing pack.

Heikki Kovalainen drove brilliantly to secure second place for McLaren, while Robert Kubica claimed third for BMW Sauber. The championship contenders endured nightmare races - both Lewis Hamilton and Felipe Massa struggled in the conditions and finished well down the order, with neither scoring significant points. The race was marked by multiple incidents and spins as drivers battled the rain-soaked circuit. Vettel's victory sent shockwaves through Formula 1 - not only had he become the youngest winner, but he'd done it for Toro Rosso, which had never won before and would never win again. The performance marked Vettel as a future world champion and remains one of the most memorable individual drives in F1 history.