Italian Grand Prix 2022 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Max Verstappen claimed victory at the Italian Grand Prix despite starting from seventh on the grid, as Ferrari's home race descended into disaster with both cars retiring. The Red Bull driver benefited from Charles Leclerc's engine failure while leading and a Safety Car that allowed him to jump ahead of George Russell to take the win at Monza. Sergio Perez set the fastest lap while finishing second for Red Bull, with Russell completing the podium in third for Mercedes after leading much of the race.

Leclerc had started from pole position and led the early stages at Ferrari's home Temple of Speed, giving the Tifosi hope of a victory celebration. However, on lap 25, his power unit failed catastrophically, sending smoke billowing from his F1-75 as he pulled off at Ascari chicane. The devastating retirement in front of the passionate Ferrari fans was a crushing blow, marking yet another reliability failure in a season plagued by them. Carlos Sainz's race ended even earlier when his Ferrari's engine let go in spectacular fashion on lap 11, bringing out a Safety Car.

The Safety Car period proved crucial for the race outcome. Verstappen, running on a different strategy, was able to make a cheap pit stop that vaulted him into contention. He then passed Russell's Mercedes with a bold overtake to claim the lead and controlled the remainder of the race. The victory at Ferrari's home circuit, where both red cars failed to finish, was particularly satisfying for Red Bull. Verstappen's 11th win of the season extended his championship lead to 116 points, moving him to the brink of clinching his second consecutive title.