On lap 47 of the 2022 Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix, Daniel Ricciardo’s McLaren stopped at the side of the track after a mechanical failure and needed the help of the stewards to remove the car, a process that was much more Slow than usual in Monza.
This caused the safety car that had been deployed as a result of the incident to remain on the track until the last lap and the race was concluded behind the Safety Car.
Another factor that caused the confusion of the fans is that the safety car had George Russell behind him instead of Max Verstappen, who was the leader of the race, so he had to allow himself to be unfolded by some to tidy up the grid before restart the session.
While Helmut Marko , Red Bull Racing’s sporting adviser, was delighted with Max Verstappen’s latest victory, he admitted he was unhappy with the FIA, saying the Italian Grand Prix should not have ended behind the safety car.
“It was definitely the wrong decision,” Marko told Sky Germany .
“The safety car got in front of the wrong driver and shouldn’t have held back those who were down a lap. Without that, we could have had a great finish. If that had been the case, it would have been more difficult for us and we would have been at a disadvantage. But the interests of the category must always come first,” added the Austrian veteran.
“I also think the marshals need to work faster, they had enough time to get that car out of there. At this circuit, it takes a long time to complete the lap. But despite that, they ruined the end of the race.” Marko said.
Verstappen crossed the checkered flag in first place to add his fifth consecutive victory of the course. As a result, he now has the chance to win his second Formula 1 title at the next Singapore Grand Prix in three weeks’ time.
The Dutchman dominated the race, although the strategy could put him in difficulties:
“We had a clear pace advantage as Max came to the lead with incredible speed. Maybe we can get to 14 wins this season,” said Marko referring to the number that would make the Dutchman the driver with the most wins in a single race. season.
“So far, all the tracks have been good for our car. Still, we can’t rule out Charles Leclerc being ahead of us in some races. Now we can and want to win the championship in Singapore, we could perfectly celebrate there, I don’t see a reason to think not,” concluded the Red Bull adviser.
