Monza: Perhaps papaya doesn’t rule

September 24, 2025

Oh Monza. 

I’d say “what a race!” but I’m still reeling from whatever that even was. Opening lap, Charles Leclerc’s desire to win was clear. A strong overtake on Piastri had him running in P3, and they scrapped it out for those first few laps. I believed in it! I really thought Leclerc would make the podium. I mean, it was my fault for thinking Ferrari would make this easy for their fans. Alas, starting and finishing in P4 isn’t terrible, given the drivers ahead of Leclerc were the Mclarens (who’s surprised) and Max Verstappen (unsurprising on its own, but less so when you realize he was in first). In a fascinating turn of events, Mclaren has managed to mis-manage this title fight so terribly I was rooting for Max Verstappen to win in Monza. Me! I mean, as soon as I saw the failed pitstop and team orders, I immediately knew I would be avoiding comment sections like they were the gravel in Monza.

Mclaren’s need to prove that they aren’t favoring one driver over the other has actually made it seem like they’re doing just that. They’ve managed to garner multiple conspiracy theories that they are actively sabotaging both drivers, with a not-insubstantial amount of evidence to support each one. Of course, I don’t think Mclaren is working against any driver, but I do think they need to rethink how they manage team orders. This driver swap is one of many, and each one divides their supporters even more. If they manage to lose the driver’s championship they’ve been considered a shoe-in for since Miami, Mclaren will face the need for some serious strategy reconsideration.

On that note, I do think that the F1 community needs to discuss the possibility that is Max Verstappen. Monza was the fastest race ever recorded. Verstappen took pole, and even losing the lead to Norris on lap two to avoid a penalty didn’t stop his run to the finish line. As each race seems to prove, give Max Verstappen an inch and he’ll take a mile. 

Ferrari’s home race came and went, while Ferrari fans are still waiting for any sign they’ll get a win this year, Lewis Hamilton is still waiting for his first podium, and Charles Leclerc rants about competitiveness on his team radio. However! Next race is Baku, where Leclerc holds a 4 year streak of starting from pole in both races and sprints. 

See you next weekend!