F1, Italian GP 2019: Qualifying predictions

Italy is likely to give a warm welcome to the Formula One carnival as the focus turns towards the Temple of Speed. The year may not have begun in an ideal manner for the home team, Ferrari, but with a race in the bag finally, Tifosi would be filling up the grandstands, waiting for a repeat performance.

Running on Friday put Charles Leclerc on the top of the table during both free practice, rising hopes of the many Ferrari fans. The two sessions had scattered rain falling throughout which did not allow teams to gather adequate data. Three red flags in the first session did not help matters either, as drivers slipped and slid across the circuit.

Sergio Perez and Kimi Räikkönen lost control of their vehicles and touched barriers, while Valtteri Bottas and Carlos Sainz showcased perfect donuts to save their cars from being bleached in the gravel. The first practice session was treacherous, to say the least, and saw most drivers lose control.

The qualifying session is predicted to be run in dry conditions while there is a high probability of rain paying a visit during the main event on Sunday. Here’s a list of qualifying predictions for the Italian Grand Prix:

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#5 Both McLaren in Q3

Carlos Sainz is likely to make an appearance in the third part of qualifying

McLaren has been in top form this year barring a few blips on their record, one of which came last week at Spa. While the drivers themselves have not put a foot wrong, the car seems to let them down at the worst possible moments.

The double DNF in Belgium would act as another reason for the team to push for a good result this time around. They would be itching to get back on the track and give their best in qualifying. Even with Lando Norris taking on grid penalties due to a power unit change, the team would be hoping for the youngster to feature in Q3, if only to aid Carlos Sainz with a tow.

They started their weekend at Monza off with a promising first free practice where Norris and Sainz finished P2 and P3, respectively. FP2, however, was mostly utilised by the team to work on Norris' car while Sainz could only manage a position as high up as P12.

Despite the shortcomings, it would be an oversight to discard the Woking-based team.

#4 Slipstream a big factor

Lewis Hamilton complained over the radio about having been sent out in clean air

Getting a tow seems to be the way to go for gaining that extra edge around Monza. Drivers themselves have either accepted or alluded to the same during their Friday outing. With all the racers being close together on the timesheets, qualifying may just be decided based on which driver goes out onto the circuit at the best possible time.

Usually, being in the dirty air of another car can be a major hindrance to performance, but with the Temple of Speed’s long straights, this notion turns on its head. A late flurry of activity on track is expected as drivers would delay their qualifying runs to be let out of the garage at the last possible second.

This also increases chances of error for the teams, given how track position would matter immensely during the entire qualifying.

#5 Kimi Räikkönen remains in the mix

Kimi Räikkönen lost control of his car during FP1

Kimi Räikkönen is not a driver who can ever be overlooked. Even with a midfield team, he has been putting in commendable performances and pushing his car to the limits unfailingly.

The Iceman has been among the points in eight races this year, and one only has to look at the other side of the Alfa Romeo garage to understand exactly how impressive this feat is. The Monza circuit should ideally suit the Alfa. Add to that the experience and talent that the Finnish driver brings to the table and it can become the perfect concoction for another strong finish.

Moreover, the crowd in Monza would be eager to cheer for one of their favourite drivers, seeing as how Kimi is still the last driver champion for Ferrari. The best thing for him to do would be to put his car as high up on the grid as possible and hope for the rain to come and improve his chances.

#2 Alexander Albon proves his worth

Alex Albon will be looking forward to leaving a mark on Italy

A splendid performance in Belgium went a long way to dispel inhibitions regarding Red Bull Racing replacing Pierre Gasly with Alexander Albon mid-season. Alex is likely to continue lending weight to the team’s decision of switching to him.

While Gasly looks more comfortable in the Toro Rosso than he ever did in the RB15, the Thai driver settled in with his new team and in the Red Bull far more easily. With Max Verstappen taking on penalties this weekend, most of the team’s hopes, especially in qualifying will rest with the 23-year-old.

Albon would be looking to make the seat permanently his, as shown by his bold overtakes last weekend. He has a point to prove, especially because he knows there won’t be multiple chances to showcase his racing prowess with the Milton Keynes based outfit.

#1 Ferrari resurgence continues

Sebastian Vettel ended up third during the second practise session

Buoyed by the recent victory and with the Tifosi cheering from the sidelines, Ferrari would surely have a shot at another pole position at Monza. While the threat of Valtteri Bottas and Lewis Hamilton is never to be underestimated, the track in Italy surely suits the Prancing Horse team better.

The power-hungry circuit would be just what the doctor ordered for Ferrari to build on its resurgence. It will be especially crucial for one-lap speed which seems to be the team's strong point this weekend.

The dry conditions predicted during the qualifying session would work in favour of the Italian outfit, giving them a good opportunity at grabbing pole position. Given the prevailing team orders during the last race, it wouldn't be too farfetched to assume that a slipstream from one teammate will be used if required to get onto the front row.