One man has dominated much of the Formula 1 season this year. Apart from Charles Leclerc, in instances, nobody has come close to challenging the defending World Champion Max Verstappen. The Dutch Lion has dominated the year, with numerous impressive wins.
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After winning his home race in Zandvoort, there’s no surprise that Max will be the favorite in Monza. This is despite Max Verstappen taking a 5-place grid penalty. Moreover, after winning 10 races this year already, the confidence will be at an all-time high for the Red Bull driver.
Although, it is interesting to note that Max does not have a good record in Monza. The Dutchman has never finished on a podium in the Italian GP. However, he will be looking to break the curse in style by winning the upcoming Italian GP.
Since Max is the fan’s favorite, Formula 1 Twitter was not bothered by his 5-place grid penalty and expects him to win regardless on Sunday.
READ MORE: “I See Myself as a Dad”: Life Experiences Have F1 Champion Max Verstappen Ready for the Next Step
Max Verstappen currently leads second-placed Charles Leclerc and his Red Bull teammate, Sergio Perez by 109 points. He will be looking to add to that lead on Sunday and edge closer to his second World Title.
F1 Twitter crowns Max Verstappen winner despite a grid penalty
As many as 6 drivers are reported to take penalties in the Italian Grand Prix. Lewis Hamilton is set to start at the back of the grid. Meanwhile, Perez has a 10-place penalty. Moreover, Sainz will start the race from the 20th position after picking up a 25-place penalty.
F1 Twitter shared their opinions with sarcasm, reflecting Verstappen’s 5-place penalty.
max verstappen having a five place grid penalty but everyone is still expecting him to win this weekend: pic.twitter.com/rfsjjRY60S
— demi 🦁 (@formulademi) September 9, 2022
Max Verstappen fans be like Max has a grid penalty? Oh cool ANYWAY it’s sunny outside
— Sophia (@sophiahobbs_) September 9, 2022
max verstappen has a 5 place grid penalty which means he will win Monza 10 seconds ahead instead of 20 seconds
— Alice (@leclercs_gf) September 9, 2022
Throwback to when everyone wasn’t worried about Max Verstappen taking a major grid penalty in Spa and then he went from like 13th to first in 8 laps
— Omniscient Earthworm (@OmniscientWorm) September 9, 2022
Many of them believed Verstappen was still a firm favorite to win at Monza. Moreover, they also acknowledged the fact that Red Bull is a level above everyone else this season.
Max Verstappen could start dead last in this race and he'd still win. The RB is leagues ahead in quality and strategy. So a 5 place grid penalty ain't nothing.
— Utena120 (@Utena120) September 9, 2022
The fact that @Max33Verstappen has a grid penalty on Sunday, and everyone is just like “ehhh.. he will be fine” the bar has been set so high for him 😂
— Justin Wigington (@jwigs1) September 9, 2022
Max Verstappen's 5-place grid penalty only means he's taking pole & winning from 6th.
— ℙ𝕦𝕟_𝔸𝕕𝕠𝕝 (@RichuJay_) September 9, 2022
Ocon takes a 5 place grid penalty for replacing his internal combustion engine.
With all these penalties Max Verstappen could still be on the front row for tomorrow's #ItalianGP— F1WR Dilly (@PRT_v5ttel) September 10, 2022
Max Verstappen generosity knows no bounds. He is giving Ferrari a head start again in Monza with a 5 place grip penalty. #F1#ItalianGp
— Red Bull Report (@NotJustOkVC) September 10, 2022
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The Red Bull driver also took a grid penalty in the Belgian Grand Prix and started the race from P14. However, he absolutely cruised through the circuit and won the race miles clear of everyone else.
WATCH THIS STORY: F1 Stars Max Verstappen & Lando Norris Go Wild With Their Girlfriends in Monaco
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After winning in France, Hungary, Belgium, and the Netherlands, Max Verstappen will fancy his chances in Italy. Despite never having won here before, he will be looking to change that and win his 11th race of the season.
Can Max Verstappen extend his advantage in the Driver’s Championship?