Many expected Williams to challenge Mercedes here. Whilst it didn’t quite go according to plan, the white, red and blue cars were convincingly the second best machine out there on both Saturday and Sunday at Monza. With Ferrari picking up a pretty pathetic two points, Williams scored 27, to jump Ferrari once again in the championship standings. Felipe Massa picked up the podium that he was so desperately after since the season started and Valtteri Bottas showed us once again why he is one of Formula One’s finest rising stars along with Daniel Ricciardo.
Williams Italian Grand Prix Review
No. 19 Felipe Massa (BRA)
Grid: P4
Race: P3
It was a pretty lonely race for Massa. After running in second for a while, he found himself locked in a tight battle with former nemesis Lewis Hamilton, but the Brit found his way past eventually as he was in superior machinery. After this, it was a pretty straightforward run for Massa en route to third place, to take his first podium since Spain last year, his first podium whilst not driving for Ferrari, and what turned out to be a popular podium with the Tifosi.
No. 77 Valtteri Bottas (FIN)
Grid: P3
Grid: P4
Like Hamilton, Bottas had a shocking start, which turns out it was not due to driver error. After sliding down the order, Bottas began his charge through the field, along with Ricciardo, and pulled out some stunning overtakes against cars using the same engine, and on Sergio Perez’ Force India, which recorded the highest speed during the weekend. It was another race to remember for the young Finn, who even though he finished behind his team mate, many felt like he delivered a better performance.
On paper, Williams should slip back behind Red Bull at Singapore. A high downforce circuit with very high tyre wear doesn’t suit Williams on paper, although the softer compounds of tyre being used may help in qualifying. Either way, with both drivers delivering the maximum result here, this should give good momentum heading into the second flyaways.
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