Well, we learned that even wonderful historic tracks like Monza can produce dreadfully dull races, and Lewis Hamilton is getting increasingly worried about his bald patch, fluffing his (thinning) hair and making sure he was only seen wearing a cap.
Hamilton (Mercedes) was on pole by a half a second on second placed Nico Rosberg (Mercedes) but fluffed his start, yet again falling back to 6th, while cursing under his breath, leaving Rosberg to waltz off into the distance, to a win while never headed.
Hamilton, with his much faster car, soon picked off the cars in front to finish second, but not in the hunt for Rosberg’s win. His grumpy face on the podium said it all. Winning isn’t everything, but it sure beats the hell out of coming second!
The two Ferrari’s came next with Vettel and Raikkonen unable to match the Mercedes, but comfortably in front of Bottas (Williams) for the first half of the race and then Ricciardo (Red Bull) for the second half.
The second Red Bull of Verstappen had also executed an abysmal start, dropping several places but then managed to salvage seventh, without any kamikaze maneuvers, so perhaps Charlie Whiting of the FIA did have a fatherly chat to the young man.
Eighth and tenth were filled by the FIndias of Perez and Hulkenberg, sandwiching Felipe Massa in the Williams, and after the points scorers there was precious little action to keep the spectators awake (unless they were Italian).
The only interesting part of the race was at the end with Nico Rosberg emulating Lewis Hamilton by crowd surfing with his crew and singing in Italian, while the intensely Italian crowd roared in appreciation. It was probably the next day after the prosecco had worn off that they realized Ferrari only came third and fourth.
The other bright news was the official retirement of Felipe Massa at the end of the year, with bets being taken as to how many incidents he will have between now and then. A lovely little chap who was almost world champion, but failed at the final hurdle a few years ago.
The other driver news was Jenson Button “retiring” from racing duties at the end of the year, but continuing with McLaren in an “advisory capacity” and reserve driver when needed. Keeps him off the streets if nothing else.
Results:
1 N Rosberg Mercedes
2 L Hamilton Mercedes
3 S Vettel Ferrari
4 K Raikkonen Ferrari
5 D Ricciardo Red Bull
6 V Bottas Williams
7 M Verstappen Red Bull
8 S Perez Force India
9 F Massa Williams
10 N Hulkenberg Force India
11 R Grosjean Haas
12 J Button McLaren
13 E Gutierrez Haas
14 F Alonso McLaren
15 C Sainz Toro Rosso
16 M Ericsson Sauber
17 K Magnussen Renault
18 E Ocon Manor
R D Kvyat Toro Rosso
R P Wehrlein Manor
R J Palmer Renault
R F Nasr Sauber
The next race is in Singapore in week’s time and they have a full grid of singing budgies to keep the spectators amused, just in case the racing is as boring as Italy.
