Max Verstappen's winning ways continue at Italian Grand Prix, closes in on F1 points title

Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

Max Verstappen’s winning streak rolled on at the Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix on Sunday as the dominant driver picked up his fifth consecutive win and his sixth straight podium.

Verstappen is now within striking distance of his second consecutive F1 points title with six races remaining. He holds a 116-point lead over Charles Leclerc, who finished second after another questionable strategy decision during the race. Verstappen could clinch the title next month in Singapore.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen gets a pit service during the Italian Grand Prix at the Monza racetrack, Sunday, Sept. 11, 2022. (AP Photo/Ciro De Luca, Pool via AP)

The win at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza was Verstappen’s first podium of his career at the iconic track. His previous highest finish was fifth in 2018. He started the race in seventh but multiple grid penalties to drivers in front of him made it easy to work his way up and by the fifth lap he was leading.

In Lap 12, the Virtual Safety Car came out when Sebastian Vettel dealt with a power issue.

Leclerc was brought into the pits for a tire change, which allowed Verstappen to gain the lead. Seven laps later, Leclerc was back in the pits after had taken the lead from Verstappen. He rejoined the race in third place and moved his way up to second – where he would finish.

MAX VERSTAPPEN WINS F1 DUTCH GRAND PRIX IN HOME COUNTRY FOR SECOND STRAIGHT YEAR

Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc gets a pit service during the Italian Grand Prix, Sunday, Sept. 11, 2022. (AP Photo/Ciro De Luca, Pool via AP)

"The end was frustrating, I wish we could have had a bit of a race,"