We have arrived at the fastest Formula One™ track on the season calendar; Autodromo di Monza for the 2014 Italian Grand Prix. With lightening fast speeds, this track is sure to be a blast. Because this track is all about speed, the Mercedes cars will have an advantage over the rest of the field, however, following some conflict at Belgium, there will be a lot of tension between the Mercedes teammates.
Although Mercedes is so much faster than the rest of the pack, it is important not to forget the other drivers. Drivers, like Fernando Alonso, will not let Mercedes take the lead without a fight. Despite having an under-performing Ferrari, it is quite possible that we could see Alonso swipe the second step of the podium from Nico Rosberg, who seems to have had very unfortunate luck in the practice and qualifying.
Valtteri Bottas has done a stellar job to get the Williams-Mercedes car into the second row of the grid and I think that he could present a lot of competition to the other cars. He should be successful in maintaining a fourth place finish, but it is possible that he could advance up the field. Having a car with the wonderful Mercedes engine should keep him near the top of the field and ahead of Red Bull, but not high enough to really challenge for the lead of the Grand Prix.
And finally, we cannot forget about Daniel Ricciardo. Ricciardo has managed to shock us with he superior performance and with another win from Belgium in his rapidly growing collection, he will be surely looking to claim Italy. Of course, because the Renault engine has so much less speed compared to the Mercedes engines, I don’t see him becoming a threat to the Mercedes team, seeing as Monza is all about speed.
The Italian Grand Prix is a great race, with a crowd that truly enjoys the sport. It is a race that I look forward to ever year and I can feel the excitement rising on the eve of the event. Can’t wait.
1 Lewis Hamilton
2 Fernando Alonso
3 Nico Rosberg
4 Valtteri Bottas
5 Daniel Ricciardo
