Italy GP - "Yes yes yes"

At the end of Q2, there was a rush of cars.  Just like the olden days.  Raikkonen went from hero to zero during it.  Then Q1 drew to a conclusion and the cars went out in a rush and most of them didn't get round in time to carry out a qualifying lap.  I've never seen anything like it.  Well done LeClerc and Sainz for realising that they needed to get a hurry on.

Vettel gave an interview post-qualifying, which gave the sense that a battle between him and LeClerc is brewing.

On to the race, LeClerc played the start very well, giving an inch and taking a mile.  Vettel spun (on nothing), sending Stroll into a spin when he re-entered the track (poorly), who then sent Gasly off when he re-entered the track (poorly).  This was Lap 7.  By Lap 12 they were sitting out 10 second stop go penalties.  I think they got off very lightly given that the same penalty was given to Raikkonen by starting on the incorrect tyres.

There was a good mid-race battle between Hamilton and LeClerc, the latter was even given a black and white flag for it.  I thought the black and white flag was for the end of the race but Brundle cleared things up, it means: "Your driving is unacceptable".

More drama, was yet to come.  Sainz left the pits without a wheel nut on Lap 28.  LeClerc went wide on Lap 36 but no one was close enough to capitalise on it.  Finally, on Lap 42 Hamilton went through the chicane, giving second place to Bottas.  It made me wonder why Mercedes didn't roll the die with Bottas' seat.

It finished with LeClerc in first place and Vettel in 14th.  We've heard Seb roll out a few Italian phrases over the radio and to the crowd but LeClerc took the biscuit and did the thing we've all been waiting for a driver to do for a long time and speak to the crowd in their own language.  Vettel is leaving Ferrari, mark my words.

In other news, it was good to see a resurgence from Renault and Hamilton give a really good interview discussing what the strong points for Mercedes were technically.