Verstappen takes Italian Grand Prix, widening F1 championship lead over Leclerc

Formula One championship leader Max Verstappen again made light work of starting down the grid as he won the Italian Grand Prix on Sunday to leave him within touching distance of a second successive title.

Verstappen now has a 116-point lead over Charles Leclerc, who finished second after another questionable strategy decision from Ferrari on its home track. With just six races remaining, the Dutch driver could mathematically clinch the title in Singapore next month.

It was the first time Verstappen has set foot on the iconic Monza podium, with his highest previous finish being fifth in 2018.

"It took a bit of time to be on a great podium like this, but finally we're on it," Verstappen said.

Verstappen started seventh after he was among several drivers hit by grid penalties in Monza but made his way up to third by the first corner of the second lap. The Red Bull driver then picked off George Russell in a Mercedes at the start of Lap 5 setting up the hunt for polesitter Leclerc in his Ferrari.

"The start was very good, directly, and then I could quickly get back into my rhythm and get back into second," Verstappen said. "It was enjoyable to drive today even though it was quite hot out there. Great day for us."

The Virtual Safety Car gave him an opportunity as it came out on Lap 12 after Sebastian Vettel's final race at Monza came to an ignominious end, with the four-time world champion pulling up at the side of the track after complaining about a power issue.

Ferrari decided to bring Leclerc in to change to medium tires, allowing Verstappen to take the lead. Leclerc rejoined the race in third.

"To be honest we didn't know what they were going to be doing behind, so we took that choice," a downbeat Leclerc said.

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