01.09.2024
Formula 1 Pirelli Italian Grand Prix 2024: the Ferrari driver triumphs in front of a record audience
Sensational victory for Ferrari in Monza with Charles Leclerc in the 2024 Formula 1 Pirelli Italian Grand Prix: the Monegasque, with a one-stop strategy, preceded the McLarens of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris at the finish line. Fourth was the other Red driver Carlos Sainz. In addition to the success of the Maranello company, Monza also celebrates the record number of spectators: over 335 thousand.
“This extraordinary audience deserved Ferrari’s victory – was the comment of the president of the Automobile Club of Italy, Angelo Sticchi Damiani, who rewarded Charles Leclerc’s victory on the podium together with the Undersecretary of State at the Mef, Federico Freni, at President of the Lombardy Region, Attilio Fontana and the Executive Vice President of Pirelli, Marco Tronchetti Provera.
The explosion of joy that had not been recorded since 2019 was testimony to how much desire there was to give this great applause, to express this great enthusiasm for a victory that will certainly reopen the World Championship. All this leaves us hoping that in the last part of the season the results can be consistent and consequent to this victory. The Automobile Club of Italy (Federation of Motorsport) and Italian motorsport embrace Charles Leclerc with great affection and enthusiasm.”
“In this happy weekend I also underline the record crowd rewarded by this splendid victory which was also a way to celebrate the new track – added the president of ACI. A track that showed its qualities, for example allowing Leclerc to complete 38 laps on the same tyres. This is undoubtedly thanks to the extraordinary driving by Charles and perhaps also to the pavement. Finally, I congratulate Leonardo Fornaroli for having won the Formula 3 championship.”
Formula 3: Fornaroli third and champion. Minì disqualified By finishing third in the Monza Feature Race, Leonardo Fornaroli (Trident) became Formula 3 champion: a podium obtained on the last lap with an overtaking on Christian Mansell. That maneuver had made the second place of a very valid Gabriele Minì (Prema Racing) useless in terms of the standings. But the ACI Team Italia driver was then removed from the finishing order due to a technical irregularity (tyre pressure). The race victory went to the Frenchman Sami Meguetounif (Trident). Fornaroli, who will turn 20 on December 3, won the championship without winning any races.
“We managed to achieve this blessed title – commented Fornaroli at the end of the race – it wasn’t perfect, because I made several mistakes and didn’t treat the tires properly. I knew that the only chance to win the title was to pass Mansell, I arrived at the last corner with the idea of going for it “make or break”. He was correct, leaving me the right space and I managed to pass. I thank Trident, my family, the sponsors, the trainer and the coach. There are no words to describe all this.”
“Obviously I’m a bit disappointed for not being able to bring the title home – Minì commented before the disqualification – but second place at the finish line is what I should have done to try to win. I gave everything but I’m very happy with this, so I want to thank my team, Alpine, ACI, the sponsors, my family and everyone who supported me this season.” Formula 2: Bortoleto wins. Antonelli at the foot of the podium The Formula 2 race was won by the Brazilian driver Gabriel Bortoleto (Invicta Racing), who started last and accomplished a feat.
Kimi Antonelli (Prema) finished fourth. “It was a fairly complicated race – explained the Bolognese driver of ACI Team Italia who will race in F1 with Mercedes next year – a lot of things happened, 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 think of Baku.”