Lewis Hamilton gives up three places in the Italian Grand Prix sprint race, Max Verstappen will start on pole

Lewis Hamilton’s poor start cost him dearly on Saturday in the Italian GP sprint race, the second of its kind after Silverstone. Starting second behind Valtteri Bottas, the Briton immediately saw Max Verstappen and the two McLarens of Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo pass him in front. Just like Pierre Gasly, briefly fifth before a collision with the rear of the Australian car. In the Curva Grande, the Frenchman’s front wing suddenly gave out, slipping under his car and sending him into the background.

Hamilton therefore found himself chasing after the safety car was out, and Gasly’s evacuated. During 15 laps, he stuck to the sides of a Norris wearing soft rubber (mediums for Hamilton). But his young compatriot held on and kept his fourth place on the track until the end of the 18 laps of the sprint.

Bottas first but last, Ocon 12th

Bottas rode him alone in the lead, keeping Verstappen at a safe distance. But he will be penalized on the grid on Sunday for having installed a fourth engine block this season, and will start last (20th). It is therefore the Dutchman who will start on pole, ahead of Ricciardo, Norris and Hamilton. Verstappen also scored 2 points for his 2nd place in this sprint, and takes 5 steps ahead in the drivers’ standings over Hamilton.

On the French side, in addition to Gasly’s early exit from the track on the grounds of his victory last year, Esteban Ocon (Alpine) finished thirteenth in this sprint, and will therefore be twelfth on the starting grid.