Verstappen makes great start in Italy and is behind Leclerc on lap 5

Max Verstappen enjoyed a fine start to the Italian Grand Prix. The Dutchman immediately managed to take two spots at the lights out and a lap later Pierre Gasly and Daniel Ricciardo were also overtaken. After just one lap, the Red Bull Racing driver is already in third place. By lap 5, Verstappen was already on P2 when George Russell also passed him using DRS.

Charles Leclerc defended his pole position with verve. George Russell did look a little better, but in the end, there was not enough room to make a real attack.