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🏎️ Ferrari Claims First Home Victory Since 2019
Jordan Williams
September 03, 2024
In this week’s email:
Ferrari Claims First Home Victory Since 2019 🏆🇮🇹
Franco Colapinto Makes F1 Debut at Monza 🇦🇷
Mercedes Signs 18-Year-Old Kimi Antonelli ✍️
Alpine F1 Employees Peaceful Protest đźš—
Ferrari Claims First Home Victory Since 2019 🏆🇮🇹
Ferrari secured a home victory at the Italian Grand Prix for the first time since 2019 with Charles Leclerc claiming the win. Despite McLaren’s Oscar Piastri initially dominating the race, Leclerc managed to hold off Piastri after a strategic pit stop gamble. Ferrari's daring one-stop strategy contrasted with McLaren's two-stop approach. Leclerc ultimately prevailed with older tires.
McLaren’s Lando Norris finished third and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen ended sixth. The result reduced Red Bull's lead over McLaren in the Constructors' Championship to eight points. With Verstappen still leading the Drivers' Championship by 62 points.
Below is where the top 10 finished:
Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
Lando Norris (McLaren)
Carlos Sainz (Ferrari)
Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
George Russell (Mercedes)
Sergio Perez (Red Bull)
Alex Albon (Williams)
Kevin Magnussen (Haas)
Other things to note:
Kevin Magnussen has accumulated the maximum 12 penalty points on his super license, leading to a one-race suspension for the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix. This follows a collision with Pierre Gasly for which Magnussen received a 10-second penalty and two penalty points.
Franco Colapinto achieved an impressive 12th place on his debut. Given his limited experience with the car after replacing Logan Sargeant.
Franco Colapinto Makes F1 Debut at Monza 🇦🇷
Twelve months ago Franco Colapinto was competing in Formula Three. He now made his F1 debut at Monza with Williams and replacing Logan Sargeant.
Despite limited experience in F1—just a single FP1 outing and last year’s Abu Dhabi test—Colapinto’s strong performance in Formula Two and his success in junior categories earned him this opportunity. Williams had considered other drivers like Liam Lawson and Mick Schumacher but chose Colapinto. A member of their academy for the remainder of the season.
Colapinto’s junior career includes notable achievements such as winning in various series and a standout performance in F2. Where he is currently leading the championship. His debut this past weekend was significant as he will be the first Argentine F1 driver since 2001. Despite the challenges of adapting to F1, Colapinto is excited and eager to contribute to Williams’ efforts to return to the front.
Mercedes Signs 18-Year-Old Kimi Antonelli for 2025 F1 Season ✍️
Mercedes has announced that 18-year-old Andrea Kimi Antonelli will join their F1 team in 2025. Taking over the seat vacated by Lewis Hamilton who is moving to Ferrari. This makes Antonelli the third-youngest driver to debut in F1 and the first Italian full-time driver since 2021. The announcement came ahead of the Italian Grand Prix and Antonelli will race alongside George Russell next season.
Antonelli, who turned 18 recently has shown impressive progress through the ranks. Bypassing Formula Three to compete in Formula Two this season. Despite a slow start in F2, he has secured notable results. Including wins and top finishes.
Mercedes has been supportive of Antonelli's development, with team principal Toto Wolff praising his talent and potential. Antonelli's rise through the junior categories has been marked by consistent success, catching Mercedes' attention early on.
The team’s 2025 lineup with Antonelli and Russell is the youngest since Hamilton and Nico Rosberg in 2015.
Alpine F1 Employees Peaceful Protest đźš—
Alpine’s employees at the Viry-Châtillon engine facility had a peaceful protest on Friday at both Monza and their factory. The protest is in response to a proposed “transformation project” that could see Alpine shift from developing its own F1 engines to becoming a customer team buying engines from others starting in 2026.
The protest will not affect team operations. Alpine's statement acknowledges the planned protests. Emphasizes that no final decision has been made, and highlights ongoing dialogue with employees. The Works Council will organize the protest, featuring banners and messages advocating for the continuation of French-engineered F1 engines. Despite the potential change, the team continues to work on their 2026 engine project, which has shown promising results so far.