Verstappen did not see race restarted: "Unfortunately no restart"

Max Verstappen extended his world championship lead in the Italian Grand Prix. The Red Bull Racing driver crossed the finish line first at the Monza circuit, even though he had to come from the fourth row of the grid. Verstappen is happy with his fifth win in a row in Formula 1.

"We had a great race, on every compound we were the quickest. We had a good race car, and the deg was good. We controlled our lead at the end, but then the safety car came. Unfortunately we didn't get a restart, but it was a good day," Verstappen said prior to the podium ceremony on the grid.

Within one lap, Verstappen already managed to pass four drivers ahead of him. "The start was very good, I came through the chicane clean. I was able to quickly get into my rhythm and get into P2," said the world championship leader, who is grateful to his team for preparing and tuning the RB18 for Sunday. "It was very enjoyable to drive the car today, we were good on the tyres. It's a great day.

First podium for Verstappen at Monza

Verstappen had a not-so-good track record at the Monza circuit. Indeed, never before had the 24-year-old driver stood on the podium at the iconic circuit. "It took a bit of time," Verstappen laughed.