International media sees 'the return of King Verstappen' in Monza

09:41, 08 Sep

Updated: 10:56, 08 Sep

byKada Sarkozi

While Max Verstappen put on a great performance in Monza, McLaren also made the headlines with their team orders. Here is how the media around the world reacted to the Italian Grand Prix.

BBC - UK

After a mistake by the McLaren crew during Lando Norris' pit stop that relegated him from second to third, Oscar Piastri was told to concede the position to the Briton.

The British public broadcaster saw McLaren was always going to find itself in a difficult situation because of the Woking-based team's approach.

"McLaren have been determined to keep the fight between their two drivers as fair as possible but their approach was always likely to lead to controversy at some point.

"That was certainly the case at Monza, as they interfered after the sort of twist of fate that often turns driver's races. Norris unquestionably deserved the second place on the balance of the race, but his pit stop problem left the team with an agonising quandary."

The Daily Mail - UK

For the British outlet, the main talking point was once again McLaren's decision.

"If Lando Norris goes on to clinch his first world title this year, he should send a cheque with plenty of noughts to Mr Andrea Stella, c/o McLaren, Woking.

"That is because his team principal’s even-handed decision-making, bordering on saintliness, allowed Norris to finish runner-up at the Italian Grand Prix, a crucial place ahead of Oscar Piastri."

La Gazzetta dello Sport - Italy

The Italian newspaper refers to Verstappen as the 'King of Monza,' after the Dutchman achieved his first victory since the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix.

"There's a sea of red in Monza, cheering the winner under the podium. The fans chant his name and cheer as Max Verstappen watches them, dressed in Ferrari colors."

The previous season, Charles Leclerc won starting from fourth place on the grid, but that was not the case this time.

"On Saturday, Ferrari decided to take a new gamble, using a very low-powered car to try to gain speed on the straight, but the comeback failed to materialize and the Monegasque had to settle for fourth place at the chequered flag, managing an often nervous SF-25."

Marca - Spain

The Spanish newspaper could only praise Max Verstappen as well, also referring to him as 'king' in its headline.

"The Italian Grand Prix is historic and special, and Max Verstappen constructed a monumental victory. He deserved it after setting the fastest lap ever achieved in Formula 1 in qualifying and striking a blow in a race that was both crazy and fast. He won't win the title, but everyone agrees he's the best modern driver."