I’ve been a big fan of motorsport ever since my dad introduced me to it a few years ago. Naturally, Ferrari is my favourite team — how could it not be? After all, everyone is a Ferrari fan at heart. If you know anything about the sport, you’ll understand that the Italian Grand Prix is the biggest race on the calendar for the Tifosi — the nickname for the Ferrari faithful. 

That’s why I flew all the way from Toronto to Monza, eager to experience the legendary atmosphere myself. Not only did I witness two incredible drivers racing in the iconic red, but I also had the thrill of seeing one of Ferrari’s own proudly stand on the podium. 

When Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc miraculously secured first place with a one-stop strategy, “the man from Monaco [became] the man for Monza.” 

This race is always a high-pressure, expectation-filled weekend for Ferrari. On home soil, the Tifosi always hope one of their drivers will claim the top spot. However, the weekend didn’t start well for Ferrari. After Saturday’s qualifying session, both drivers were set to start from fourth and fifth positions. With McLaren locking out the front row, even a podium finish seemed like a tough challenge. 

How the race unfolded 

Race day quickly turned chaotic after the lights went out. McLaren’s pole-sitter — the driver that has qualified for a Grand Prix with the fastest time and begins the race at the front — Lando Norris, held the lead for only a few seconds into the first lap before being overtaken by his teammate, Oscar Piastri. Leclerc soon made his move, taking second place and setting the stage for an intense battle between him and Piastri. 

Marbling and tire management became crucial factors in the race. Marbling occurs when small bits of rubber debris from worn tires accumulate on the track, reducing grip and making overtaking difficult. This can result in slower lap times, making tire strategy essential. In fast-paced races like in Monza, tire degradation is inevitable, and most teams opt for a two-stop strategy to gain better control and speed. However, the downside of this approach is the time lost during pit stops, which can leave drivers vulnerable to losing positions. 

Ferrari’s bold one-stop strategy pays off 

Piastri faced a dilemma while leading the race. It was critical for him to maintain his pace to keep Leclerc at bay, so McLaren opted for a two-stop strategy. However, Piastri’s second stop handed Leclerc the lead. 

Remarkably, marbling didn’t hinder Leclerc’s progress. By staying on the racing line and committing to a one-stop strategy, he minimized the risk of picking up debris. When Leclerc took the lead on Lap 39, the Tifosi were so loud that the stands trembled. 

With 13 laps remaining, Leclerc had to stay composed to secure the victory. He built over a two-second gap to Piastri, keeping him out of the drag reduction system range — a driver-controlled system used when a driver is within a second of the car in front of them — and preventing an overtake. As the final laps approached, the Tifosi gathered at the track gates, waiting to rush toward the podium in classic Monza tradition. When Leclerc crossed the finish line, red smoke filled the air, red and yellow flags waved, and the track was flooded with Ferrari fans. It was an incredible sight. I’ve never experienced such passion and excitement before. 

This was an experience I will never forget. As the voices of the Ferrari fans drowned out the Italian anthem and champagne sprayed in celebration, it felt like the perfect ending to the Italian Grand Prix — one I hope to experience again.