LIVID Lewis Hamilton saw Italian Grand Prix glory slip through his fingers after a botched pit stop as Pierre Gasly won a crazy race at Monza.
The reigning world champion looked to be cruising towards a sixth win in eight this season while title rivals Valtteri Bottas and and Max Verstappen struggled.
Pierre Gasly celebrates his first F1 victory on SundayCredit: AFP
Lewis Hamilton pitted when the lane was closed and hit with a penaltyCredit: Reuters
Lewis Hamilton took a trip to the stewards’ room during the reg flag after being hit with a 10-second stop-go penaltyCredit: AFP
Pierre Gasly won the Italian Grand Prix in crazy fashion at MonzaCredit: AP:Associated Press
The AlphaTauri team celebrate a stunning victoryCredit: Reuters
But the race completely changed on it’s head when Kevin Magnussen crashed out midway through and parked his Haas at the entry to the pit lane.
The safety car was called out and Hamilton pitted straight away from the lead, unaware of the fact the pit lane was closed to recover Magnussen’s stranded car.
And that was followed moments later by a red flag after Charles Leclerc suffered a scary crash at the Parabolica chicane.
The Frenchman escaped unhurt, but it was the second Ferrari not to finish their home grand prix after Sebastian Vettel’s brake failure.
Sebastian Vettel retired early with a brake failure in more misery for FerrariCredit: AFP
A livid Hamilton took a trip to the stewards’ room while the race was stopped to protest his case.
But the Brit was hit with a 10-second stop-go penalty and roared “that’s bulls**” over the team radio.
He dropped him all the way to the back of the pack when the race resumed with 26 laps to go.
And that freed up some unlikely potential winners to race it out at the front.
Gasly had just enough in the tank to guide his AlphaTauri to victory in their home grand prix from Carlos Sainz’s McLaren in second.
Lewis Hamilton got away cleanly, but Valtteri Bottas was chased down by both McLarensCredit: Reuters
The McLarens of Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris had flying starts behind HamiltonCredit: Associated Press
But the safety car and red flag that followed threw the race into chaosCredit: AP:Associated Press
Pierre Gasly benefitted from Hamilton’s woes to win at MonzaCredit: Getty Images
Carlos Sainz came home second for McLarenCredit: EPA
Lance Stroll came third for Racing Point ahead of Lando Norris in the second McLaren.
A crumb of comfort for Hamilton will be that title rival Max Verstappen retired while Valtteri Bottas finished off the podium in 5th.
The Brit fought his way back through the pack to finish 7th.
F1 stays in Italy for next week’s race at Mugello, which marks the halfway point in the 2020 season.
Race winner Gasly said: “It’s unbelievable. It was such a crazy race and we capitalise don’t he red flag. The car was fast.
“I have been through so much in the space of 18 months. My first podium last year and now my first win in F1.
“I have no words. This team have done so much for me. They gave me my first opportunity in F1, my first podium and now my first win.
“It’s crazy – I’m so happy.”
A flyover makes the colours of the Italian flag before the raceCredit: Reuters
Italian healthcare heroes were in the stands, along with cardboard fan cutoutsCredit: AFP
2020 RACE CALENDAR
July 5 – Austria (W: Bottas)
July 12 – Styria (W: Hamilton)
July 19 – Hungary (W: Hamilton)
Aug 2 – Britain (W: Hamilton)
Aug 9 – 70th Anniversary (W: Verstappen)
Aug 16 – Spain (W: Hamilton)
Aug 30 – Belgium (W: Hamilton)
Sept 6 – Italy (W: Gasly)
Sept 13 – Tuscany
Sept 27 – Russia
Oct 11 – Germany
Oct 25 – Portugal
Nov 1 – Imola
Nov 15 – Turkey
Nov 29 – Bahrain
Dec 6 – Sakhir
Dec 13 – Abu Dhabi
Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk