F1: 5 Most Memorable Races at Monza

#1 1971 Italian Grand Prix

The 1969 Italian Grand Prix witnessed one of the closest races in Formula 1 history. Nevertheless, the F1 race at Monza two years later outdid the first and etched itself as the closest finish in Formula 1 history.

An average performance by Peter Gethin ensured that he would start the race from a disappointing eleventh place while the debutant Mike Hailwood would start the race from the seventeenth place.

However, fortunes quickly changed at the start of the race; multiple drivers made big jumps and moved to the top of the field. A group of five cars constantly exchanged podium positions throughout the duration of the race. Peter Gethin led most of the race and was in the fourth place during the final lap of the Grand Prix. A brilliant exit from the Parabolica ensured that Peter Gethin would finish the race in the first place, 0.01 seconds ahead of Ronnie Peterson. Mike Hailwood finished the race in the fifth spot, 0.61 seconds behind the race winner.