Italian Grand Prix Preview And Prediction Updated for September 2024

Updated: 17th September 2024

The 2012 Formula 1 season came back with a bang last week, in many senses of the world. Overall, it was an entertaining weekend of racing with Jenson Button leading the way from the start to take a memorable win.

It was all happening on the first corner in Belgium though and this is still being discussed. After an explosive start where Romain Grosjean moved rapidly across Lewis Hamilton several drivers, including these two and driver standings leader Fernando Alonso crashed out.

Grosjean has now been given a one-race ban so will not be involved this weekend, but for the rest of the drivers that were affected by the collision, the Italian Grand Prix is a chance to make up for lost time.

After all, with the driver standings so close, the likes of Hamilton and Alonso need to come back with a strong weekend. Alonso may still lead the rest, but he only has a 24 point lead over reigning Champion Sebastian Vettel.

Then, Hamilton who never has a dull race finds himself down in fifth position. The motivation is different for each driver this weekend too with Vettel looking to close the gap on Alonso, Mark Webber and Kimi Raikkonen aiming to stay in touch with the top drivers and Button  down in 6th at the moment looking to launch his title bid.

In the end though, it comes down to a weekend of racing at Monza. What has gone on before can only play so much of a part. Everyone involved needs to approach the weekend appropriately, be tactically astute, select their aggressive moments and avoid any race changing collisions!

It has been a familiar story for each race this year when it is said that anyone from a number of drivers can win. There are so many drivers  and teams for that matter fighting it out for a podium finish at the very least.

Last year, it was all about Red Bull and McLaren, Vettel against the rest. This year, it is about competitive Formula 1 racing where literally anything can happen.

Looking at the previous year at a Grand Prix is always worthwhile and the 2011 Italian Grand Prix was won by Sebastian Vettel. The German took pole position and went on to win the race. He was joined by Button and Alonso on the podium.

It was also the race which saw a fantastic battle between Michael Schumacher and Hamilton for 4th position. More of the same this weekend will be welcomed by the passionate Monza crowd.

Looking at the odds for this one, Hamilton is the favourite at 3/1, which might surprise a few. As always though, if he can avoid a controversial moment, he is the quickest driver out there. The McLaren man needs to focus on getting round the circuit, but will no doubt be aggressive from the off.

You then have Vettel, Raikkonen who has been brilliant on his return to Formula 1 Button and Alonso, all available between 5/1 and 6/1. Leading the chasing pack is Mark Webber, before you come to the outsiders with Schumacher and Nico Rosberg and Sergio Perez looking to make an impact.

Italian Grand Prix Prediction?

Vettel, Hamilton, Alonso.

Relevant news