Post Race Analysis: Italian GP

With so many different race strategies, we have analysed lap times to get a better picture of the raw pace of each car. We have compared the best lap time for each driver when on the same tyre compound and broken down the race into ‘stints’ to compare cars on similar fuel loads.

Stint 1

Before the race, Sebastian Vettel was concerned Monza’s low downforce circuit wouldn’t suit his Red Bull and to a certain extent he was correct. He was fourth fastest on the medium compound but he did flat spot his front right tyre on the first lap.

Nico Hulkenberg showed excellent pace on both tyres and fully deserved his fifth place finish, his best of the year.

Stint 2

Nico Rosberg topped the charts on the hard tyre and quietly drove one of his best races of the season. Although he finished sixth he was only 10 seconds behind Sebastian Vettel. It must be noted that both Red Bulls were nursing gear-box problems towards the end of the race that may have contributed to slow lap times.

The Williams duo of Maldonado and Bottas performed better than expected in the second stint. The car goes well on the hard tyre compound but often it’s too little too late in regards to points.

Summary
Nico Hulkenburg was full value for his fifth place finish and it will be interesting to see if he can repeat that form in Singapore; he is 7/1 (Bet365) for another top-6 finish.

Nico Rosberg also drove an excellent race with the quickest and second quickest lap times in each stint. The German is 16/1 (Boylesports) to win in Singapore.