Red Bull Loses Italian Grand Prix Victory After Crucial Mistake Discovered
Red Bull Racing’s dominant weekend at the Italian Grand Prix has ended in controversy, as the team has been stripped of a win due to a significant error spotted post-race. While Max Verstappen put in a commanding performance to take the chequered flag at Monza, the celebrations were cut short after race stewards identified a breach that ultimately cost Red Bull dearly.
Verstappen had taken a clear and early lead in the race after an intense battle with McLaren’s Lando Norris at Turn 1. The Dutchman initially went wheel-to-wheel with Norris, only to cut across the chicane in what was ruled as gaining an unfair advantage. Red Bull swiftly responded, instructing Verstappen to hand the position back, which he did before the end of the opening lap.
However, Verstappen quickly regained the lead by overtaking Norris again just a few laps later, and from that point on, the Red Bull driver was in a league of his own—crossing the finish line with a dominant 20-second gap. What looked to be his third Grand Prix win of the season soon turned sour, as post-race investigations uncovered a critical infringement related to the initial chicane incident.
Although the specifics of the rule breach are still emerging, reports suggest it revolved around incorrect execution of the procedure for giving back an unfairly gained position—possibly not waiting the required number of corners or laps. As a result, Verstappen’s victory was nullified.
The situation further compounded Red Bull’s woes at Monza, as their junior team also faced disappointment. Tim Tramnitz, competing in the Formula 3 Sprint Race, had crossed the line first but was later penalized 10 seconds for violating mandatory start procedure regulations, costing him the win.
Overall, what began as a promising weekend for Red Bull turned into a double blow—highlighting how even minor procedural errors can carry massive consequences in the high-stakes world of Formula 1.
