The Cascade of Snafus that Delayed F1’s Italian GP Start and Left Mechanics Scrambling

The Monza Grand Prix took off a staggering 20 minutes later than planned, all thanks to a domino effect of complications. The issues originated when Yuki Tsunoda of AlphaTauri was forced to pull over during the initial warm-up lap due to a suspected malfunction with his MGU-H, a glitch the team is still trying to fully understand.

In response to Tsunoda’s unexpected halt, the remaining racers congregated on the grid, anticipating the usual standing start. However, they were soon instructed to scrap that plan and engage in another formation lap.

Upon their return to the grid, the drivers found themselves in a state of limbo. With no updates on the starting gantry screen, they were kept in the dark—literally and figuratively—relying solely on their race engineers via team radio for any inkling of what was going on.

Here’s the kicker: the second start attempt was called off too. Why? Because Tsunoda’s car was stuck in gear and couldn’t be moved off the grid in a timely manner. This led to a call for the mechanics to rush back and address cooling systems for the engines and brakes, and also to warm up the starting tires with blankets.

Adding another layer of chaos, the FIA’s timing information screen didn’t bother to notify anyone that the second start was also a no-go. Instead, this vital update was communicated to the teams through their respective radio channels and to the wider public via media outlets.

According to sources from F1 Flow.com, the mechanics found themselves hamstrung by protocol. The absence of any notification about the second aborted start on the LED screen made security officials hesitate to open the main pitlane gate. They wanted to make absolutely sure they were adhering to the correct procedures. The logic? Better late than never, especially considering the potential risks of opening the gate too soon on a track that was, for all intents and purposes, still live and dangerous.

In a move worthy of a Hollywood action scene, two particularly anxious mechanics decided they couldn’t wait any longer. They vaulted over the pit wall in an attempt to reach their cars, taking matters into their own hands. Eventually, the pitlane gate was finally opened, allowing the rest of the mechanics to swarm the grid.

Once the mechanics were back in position, the start procedure was rebooted, and the countdown to the race began anew, heralded by the standard five-minute warning message.

When the race finally got underway, the lights had scarcely completed their sequence before the drivers were given the green light. Pole-sitter Carlos Sainz managed to fend off Red Bull’s Max Verstappen at the first turn. But as the race unfolded, Verstappen turned the screws on Sainz, eventually forcing an error that allowed him to capture his record 10th consecutive F1 victory.

And there you have it—the tale of a Grand Prix start so convoluted, it could’ve been scripted by Christopher Nolan. But hey, at least it ended with a bang, right?

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More about Monza Grand Prix Delay

• Monza Grand Prix Official Results
• Yuki Tsunoda’s AlphaTauri Profile
• Max Verstappen’s Winning Streak
• F1 Rulebook on Race Start Procedures
• Inside Look at F1 Team Communication Systems
• Detailed Breakdown of F1 Mechanical Issues like MGU-H
• Carlos Sainz’s Season Performance Review