In the lead up to a Grand Prix, this is usually about the time when I laud Max Verstappen and claim that the Dutchman can challenge for the win later in the week, but Verstappen is starting at the back row of the grid in Monza. This is because the Flying Dutchman will be using a new Spec 4 Honda engine and will take a starting penalty, like teammate Alexander Albon did a week ago. Whilst he might not take the checkered flag, Verstappen may be the most exciting factor of the Italian Grand Prix as he climbs up the grid in his Red Bull. Meanwhile, Australian driver Daniel Ricciardo believes that Renault’s power issues are a thing of the past. The former-Red Bull man, who admitted earlier this week that the death of Hubert took him to a ‘dark’ place, claims that the team are now focusing more of their energy on aerodynamic improvements, citing a more effective downforce as a key development target. Even with such improvements, I can’t see Renault improving if they employ the same appalling race strategy they did a week ago when they kept Ricciardo out on the same tyres for the full race. Let’s hope, for the Aussie’s sake, they’ve learnt their lesson. Renault don’t deserve him.

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Alfa Romeo’s Antonio Giovinazzi is the sole driver on the Formula 1 grid that hails from Italy. He had a strong showing in Belgium, and was on to finish in the points before spinning off and crashing into the barricades just two laps from the end. Gutting for the Italian, but he shouldn’t be disheartened after driving so effectively for the entirety of the race beforehand. Let’s hope he can bag some points at his home Grand Prix.