
The key factors behind a Monza thriller that left the winner speechless
After an unspectacular start, the Italian Grand Prix exploded into life through safety car interventions, pit call errors and unpredictable events. Despite everything, Pierre Gasly kept his cool to produce the shock of the season
Where the Belgian Grand Prix had been generally lifeless, the 2020 Italian GP that followed sizzled with action and emotion throughout. Where Mercedes was faultless at Spa, three errors cost it dearly at Monza. And where Pierre Gasly was a touch undone by race circumstances outside his control in the Ardennes, in Lombardy they - alongside his brilliant driving - set up a famous triumph.
The opening 18 laps of the Italian race did bare an unmistakable similarity to those of seven days before - as polesitter Lewis Hamilton initially dominated - but the rest were action-packed. There wasn't a dull moment from the very second Mercedes realised its error in pitting Hamilton when the pitlane was closed, which created a chaotic and brilliantly enjoyable Formula 1 spectacle.
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