F1, Italian Grand Prix 2018: Qualifying Predictions

The first two practice sessions for the Italian Grand Prix are done and dusted. While one showed how the conditions might be if rain becomes a factor, the second provided the drivers with a dry track to run their scheduled tests on.

Ferrari topped the chart of the dry second practice, with Sebastian Vettel taking the lead over Kimi Räikkönen. The first session was topped by Sergio Perez with Kimi splitting the two Force India cars in second place.

The championship battle has boiled down to two contenders, Lewis Hamilton and Vettel and the Grand Prix in Monza would provide an insight as to who might run away with the coveted trophy. Sixteen points separate the two leaders, but the battles down the ladder are shaping up to be equally exciting.

The stands would be bathed in red in support of Scuderia and it remains to be seen whether Ferrari would excel or be bogged down by the added expectations of a victory. The stakes would be higher, especially as their last win at home came way back in 2010.

Here is a list of five predictions that might come true during the qualifying session of the 14th race of the season:

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#5 Rewarding Qualifying for Force India

A top ten position could be on the cards for both drivers

The Racing Point Force India’s crew is secure for the moment and their drivers have repaid their faith with a good performance during the Belgian Grand Prix. Judging by Free Practice, they are well on the path to emulate their qualifying performances from last week, whether or not it rains.

A top ten position could be on the cards for both drivers, Esteban Ocon and Sergio Perez, as the team would be looking to accumulate as many points as possible under the new name. It would be interesting to see which teammate would come out on top, given how closely matched the pair is.

#4 Räikkönen challenges Vettel

The tides could change in the favour of Raikkonen this weekend

While Sebastian Vettel holds a better record at Monza over Kimi Räikkönen, the tides may turn this weekend. Kimi is an immensely talented and experienced driver and he would be itching to put an end to the retirement and replacement rumours afloat.

The Finnish driver is currently third placed on the drivers’ standing but only two points separate him from Valtteri Bottas. Kimi would be eager to open up a gap between himself and his compatriot. In order to safeguard his spot on the standings, it is vital for the 38-year-old to produce a stellar performance on Saturday so he has an edge over others come race day. Doing so in Italy would just add to his merit.

#3 Haas outperforms Renault

Haas reduced the gap to Renault down to only six points in Spa and this weekend would give them an opportunity to bridge the gap

Haas reduced the gap to Renault down to only six points in Spa and this weekend would give them an opportunity to bridge the gap. If everything aligns perfectly for the US-based team, they would believe in their chances to make it to Q3 and stay ahead of Renault while doing so.

The French squad would be further saddled with the knowledge that Nico Hulkenberg is set to receive a 10 place grid penalty for Sunday due to triggering collisions in Belgium. To top it off, he would be taking on new parts that would relegate him to the back of the grid where Daniel Ricciardo might give him company.

#2 Substandard Qualifying for Sauber

F1 Grand Prix of Italy - Practice

Sauber had a wretched time during the second free practice, with Marcus Ericsson running off track and spinning in the air for a little while during the early stages of the session. Fortunately, the Swedish driver walked away unscathed from the scary crash, even as his car took a tumble. A problem emerged when the replays showed that the DRS flap did not close as it was supposed to.

Charles Leclerc was later asked to run tests for the team to check if a complete rebuilding of the rear side of his car was enough to improve matters. Sauber would, undoubtedly, enter qualifying with all issues sorted on both their cars, but it seems unlikely that would attain an impressive result like they have all year round.

#1 Hamilton on pole

F1 Grand Prix of Italy - Practice

Lewis Hamilton is freakishly strong during qualifying and if the weather predictions are correct, the wet conditions on Saturday would favour him immensely. It is likely for the Briton to end up on pole, but the Ferraris would not be too far off.

The engine upgrade seems to have given the red team an edge over the Silver Arrows if the Belgian Grand Prix provided any indication.

However, it is a new week and Mercedes would be willing to put all their effort into a victory. The last thing they would want is to allow Sebastian Vettel to make inroads on the lead that Lewis has in the drivers’ standings.