Verstappen clinches maiden Italian GP win behind safety car

Max Verstappen edged closer to a successful defence of his F1 world title after emerging victorious at the Italian Grand Prix.

The Dutchman, who started seventh on the grid after taking a five-place grid penalty, crossed the line first ahead of pole-sitter Charles Leclerc and Mercedes driver George Russell.

The race unfortunately ended on a controversial note after McLaren's Daniel Ricciardo suffered a car failure with six laps remaining, sending the safety car out.

The McLaren car could not be moved out of the track in time to restart the race, forcing it to finish behind the safety car.

LAP 47/53 Ricciardo has pulled up at the side of the track We have a ⚠️ SAFETY CAR ⚠️#ItalianGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/ETbdMtFN9T

— Formula 1 (@F1) September 11, 2022

It was the first time Verstappen stood on the podium in Monza, last coming the closest in 2018 when he originally finished third but was demoted to fifth for causing a collision with Valtteri Bottas.

The win extended his advantage over Leclerc on the standings to 116 points with six races left.

It was double Dutch delight as Williams driver Nyck de Vries, standing in for the unwell Alexander Albon, finished ninth on his debut.

RACE CLASSIFICATION (LAP 53/53) Points on debut for @nyckdevries ?#ItalianGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/OCVijR05ho

— Formula 1 (@F1) September 11, 2022