Predictions for the 2022 Italian Grand Prix – By Joe Murphy
When the grid hits your eye like a big pizza pie that’s A-Monza. Yes, it’s time to head to Milan and the historic track that is situated nearby for another pulsating weekend of Formula 1 action. Ferrari need a pick-me-up and there is nowhere better as a sea of red awaits following last weekend’s orange washout. What is likely to happen at the Cathedral of Speed? Let’s have a look…
Max to crush Tiffosi Dreams…
Even with a penalty, it takes a brave man to bet against Max Verstappen at the moment, and that is not going to be me. After backing Ferrari to do comparatively better than they actually did in the Netherlands, it would be foolish to do the same again. Whilst I believe Charles Leclerc is almost certain of a podium, should he make it to the end of the Grand Prix, a win is probably a step too far. Max Verstappen won’t have lost any motivation, despite extending his lead at the top of the tree last time out. With a record awaiting, he will want to win every race that remains in the season. Couple that with the fact that Monza is historically a poor track for the Dutchman and therefore he has a point to prove, he will be a man on a mission this weekend.
Perez Podium as Sainz Suffers…
With Max and Charles favourites for the top two positions, it remains to be seen who will join them in the post-race celebrations on Sunday afternoon. Whilst Mercedes showed promise in Zandvoort, a much more sensible bet is Sergio Perez. The Mexican still has a part to play in his team’s quest for a first Constructor’s World Championship in a nearly decade. After a poor performance last week, Checo will bounce back and get at least third. Carlos Sainz on the other hand, won’t be so lucky. Whilst it would be impressive even by Ferrari’s standards if the Spaniard’s weekend was to go nearly half as bad as it did last time out, I don’t think he’ll make it onto the podium. Despite the fact he very nearly won the event in 2020 when Pierre Gasly did, I feel he won’t have enough to beat his nearest challengers. Ferrari would potentially take third and fourth for their drivers as long as it keeps Mercedes firmly in their rear view mirror, in the standings. An iminent penalty for Lewis Hamilton that is set to drop him to the back of the grid, could help with that.
Can it get better? It Haas to…
Because of the vast improvements made since this time last year, its easy to forget that Haas have had a run of disappointing results. Their current campaign peaked in the opening round and whilst there have certainly been highs since, especially for Mick Schumacher, they have won less points than you might expect. They remain narrowly ahead of Aston Martin and Alpha Tauri but below Alfa Romeo who they really should be beating more often than they are doing currently. With the gaps between the teams in terms of points particularly small, every single one has extra magnitude. It’s therefore vital that Kevin Magnussen and Mick Schumacher have a good result at tracks that give them an opportunity. Monza could just be that opportunity. However, Guenther Steiner has revealed his doubts ahead of the weekend and instead shifted focus onto being more competitive this time next year. A sign that the season end could be unkind for Haas? Perhaps
Danny Ricc to surprise a few…
Depressingly, if Danny Ricc was to ‘surprise a few’ on current form, that could even be finishing in the points. However, this is a track he likes, he has previously won at and now has nothing to lose in terms of McLaren. I bet we see a rejuvenated Australian behind the wheel of that orange car come this weekend and on Sunday in particular. To beat his teammate may sound like an outside bet, but it is set to be a cracking shout with Lando potentially distracted by off track issues at this moment in time.
Alpha Tauri set to improve too…
You can almost copy and paste what is written in the Haas section and place it here. However, unlike the American team, Alpha Tauri have gone backwards as supposed to forwards. They remain 8th in the standings and on an alarmingly low amount of points, even more stark in comparison to last season. Pierre Gasly potentially could be having his head turned and Yuki Tsunoda, although making gains, is yet to fully impress. However, Monza has been incredibly favourable to the team throughout their existence. Multiple wins under their different branding names, it’s a home track that very much feels like so. A win would be even more miraculous than it was last time, but it isn’t out of the realms of possibility that we see either driver up near the likes of Alpine and McLaren. A disappointing result will result in serious questions starting to be asked of Red Bull’s sister team, even more so than were after last weekend’s fiasco involving their young Japanese driver. It could be an important weekend for the team and it’s drivers in terms of both of their short and long term futures.
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