Stunning victory for Ferrari at Monza with Charles Leclerc in the 2024 Formula 1 Pirelli Italian Grand Prix: the Monegasque driver, using a one-stop strategy, crossed the finish line ahead of the McLaren of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. The other Ferrari driver, Carlos Sainz, finished fourth. Monza celebrated not only the success of the Maranello team but also a record attendance: over 335,000 spectators.
“This extraordinary crowd deserved a Ferrari victory, and Charles Leclerc delivered it” commented Angelo Sticchi Damiani, President of the Automobile Club d’Italia, who presented the podium awards along with the Undersecretary of State at the MEF, Federico Freni, the President of the Lombardy Region, Attilio Fontana, and Pirelli’s Executive Vice President, Marco Tronchetti Provera. “The explosion of joy, not seen since 2019, was a testament to the strong desire to express this great enthusiasm for a victory that certainly reopens the World Championship. All of this gives us hope that in the final stretch of the season, the results will be consistent with this victory. The Automobile Club d’Italia (Federation of Motor Sport) and Italian motorsport embrace Charles Leclerc with much affection and enthusiasm, as he returns to his 2019 form.”
“In this joyful weekend, I also highlight the record attendance, rewarded by this splendid victory, which also served as a celebration of the new track,” added the ACI President. “The track showed its qualities, allowing Leclerc, for example, to complete 38 laps on the same tires. This was certainly thanks to Charles’ extraordinary driving and perhaps also to the track surface. Finally, I congratulate Leonardo Fornaroli for winning the Formula 3 championship.”
Formula 3: Fornaroli third and champion. Minì disqualified
By finishing third in the Monza Feature Race, Leonardo Fornaroli (Trident) was crowned Formula 3 champion: a podium secured on the final lap with an overtaking move on Christian Mansell. That maneuver rendered the second place of a very competitive Gabriele Minì (Prema Racing) meaningless in terms of the standings. However, the ACI Team Italia driver was later removed from the results due to a technical irregularity (tire pressure). The race win went to the Frenchman Sami Meguetounif (Trident).
Fornaroli, who will turn 20 on December 3rd, won the championship without securing a race victory. “We finally managed to win this blessed title,” commented Fornaroli after the race. “It wasn’t a perfect race because I made several mistakes and didn’t manage the tires well. I knew the only way to win the title was to pass Mansell. I approached the last corner thinking, ‘It’s all or nothing.’ He was fair, gave me enough space, and I managed to pass. I want to thank Trident, my family, sponsors, trainer, and coach. There are no words to describe all of this.”
“Obviously, I’m a bit disappointed not to have brought home the title,” Minì commented before the disqualification, “but finishing second was what I needed to try to win. I gave it my all, and I’m very happy with that. I want to thank my team, Alpine, ACI, sponsors, my family, and everyone who supported me this season.”
Formula 2: Bortoleto wins. Antonelli just off the podium
The Formula 2 race was won by the Brazilian driver Gabriel Bortoleto (Invicta Racing), who pulled off an incredible feat after starting last. Kimi Antonelli (Prema) finished fourth. “It was a pretty complicated race,” explained the Bologna-born driver of ACI Team Italia, who will race in F1 with Mercedes next year. “A lot happened, and it’s a shame about the Safety Car because the podium was within my reach. In the end, I’m happy; the pace was good. Now I’m thinking about Baku.”