Formula One: Sebastian Vettel Wins an Historic Italian Grand Prix

The latest Grand Prix at Monza was much more than a simple race, the competition delivered some of the most incredible results expected in the Formula One history as the young German driver Sebastian Vettel conquered the Italian race victory winning over the people’s favorites McLaren’s Hamilton and Ferrari’s Massa. It was indeed a very mediocre performance coming from the Ferrari team especially if we take into account they were racing in their home land.

With only 21 years of age the German driver was replacing Robert Kubica of the BMW team for the time being. Vettel broke Fernando Alonso’s record of the youngest driver to win a grand prix, as he was already 22 when he won in Hungary back in 2003.

It had been a long time since the Italian and German flags waged together in a podium. Last time was when the former Ferrari driver Michael Schumacher (who won a total of 72 victories for Ferrari) triumphed at Monza and now Vettel wins the grand prix for a renowned Italian carmaker, Toro Rosso, while also driving a Ferrari vehicle.

At the time when the Spaniard Fernando Alonso left the McLaren team, Vettel and Nico Rosberg became possible prospects in the new drivers’ list. But it was not until Vettel’s recent debut, only last year in the United States, when he replaced Kubica due to a car crash in Canada the teams came to an agreement and Vettel became part of Toro Rosso.

Before the last race, Toro Rosso was the ninth team in the Formula One rankings followed by Force India and Super Aguri. Despite the money invested and the improvements made to the vehicles the Italian manufacturer has not yet found a way to a steady development. After Monza Toro Rosso moved up to the sixth position with a total of 27 points.

At Monza the whole scenery was a surprise; from the rain to the formation in the pole position to Vettel’s victory and the advantages he converted to his favor turned him into the sixth different driver to win a Grand Prix during the 2008 World Championship. 

Vettel’s flawless driving from the beginning was amazing despite having to change his tires, he just became unstoppable and either Hamilton or Räikkönen had the opportunity to rise to the podium this time; while Felipe Massa arrived in the same position in which he left the number sixth. Räikkönen also faced several problems with the tires’ temperature and he was just not able to overcome his rivals. 

On the other hand, McLaren’s second driver Heikki Kovalainen had a more favorable position but he could not surpass Vettel in pace neither in talent as the young speed master basically flew. Vettel’s future seems very bright as it is likely he will begin to receive offers from the other teams as this year’s Formula One Season comes to an end and a new champion will rise to the podium.