Pole means Lewis is Monza’s history man
A jubilant Lewis Hamilton is flanked by Red Bull pair Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen at Monza yesterday. started on schedule, but it was suspended after only five minutes when Romain Grosjean crashed, having lost control of his car at speeds approaching 190mph.
The Frenchman narrowly avoided contact with barriers on both sides of the main straight, but, with his Haas car in a precarious position, qualifying was immediately suspended.
“I told you it was dangerous,” an exasperated Grosjean yelled over the radio. Veteran English race director Charlie Whiting called for the session to be red-flagged.
Hamilton spent the rain break engaging with his supporters on social media before playing computer games from the comfort of his Mercedes team’s hospitality suite. Finally, after a delay of two hours and 36 minutes, the circuit was deemed safe and it was Hamilton who triumphed.
“After playing the PlayStation I was nervous, but still in the zone. I was grateful for when we got back out,” Hamilton added.
“Some people say it is not about the journey or where you begin, but about the finish. I feel the beginning and the middle is more important, and not necessarily where you are going. I have learned so much over the years. It was an epic day, and I am truly blessed.”