Formula One Gradebook: Italian Grand Prix

Written by Elaina Russell

The 2025 Italian Grand Prix was more than just another stop on the calendar–it was a reminder of why Monza remains one of Formula One’s crown jewels. Under perfect skies, the Temple of Speed delivered a race that combined raw pace, team orders, and the unmistakable roar of the Tifosi. Max Verstappen broke records, McLaren’s title fight was tested once more, and Ferrari found redemption in front of their home faithful.

Here’s how all 20 drivers performed on race day:

McLaren’s team orders bring up dramatic conversations once more | Credit: Formula One

McLaren

Oscar Piastri - A

Oscar Piastri delivered yet another podium, keeping his title fight alive with calm precision. A strong qualifying set him up well, and despite being shuffled behind teammate Lando Norris on team orders, the team’s pre-arranged swap etched another 15 points onto his tally.

Piastri's consistency remains his greatest weapon–still the only driver to score in every race this season.

Lando Norris - A-

Another controlled drive, even if the final result stung. Norris looked set to challenge Verstappen but lost momentum throughout the race. Still-second place ensures the championship fight stays alive, though questions remain about how long McLaren will keep things equal between their two drivers.

Ferrari

Lewis Hamilton - A

A stirring Monza debut in Ferrari red.

Despite a five-place grid penalty dropping him to tenth on the start, Lewis Hamilton surged into the top six with a sharp launch and composed overtakes. He lacked the raw pace to go further forward, but the drive was spirited and a reminder of his race craft.

Charles Leclerc - A

Charles Leclerc started fourth and finished fourth, but the result doesn’t tell the full story. It was a disciplined, faultless drive that showed resilience after the disappointment of Zandvoort.

While he couldn’t quite manage to take the fight to the podium, he delivered exactly what Ferrari needed–a clean, competitive run at home in front of the Tifosi.

Mercedes

George Russell - B

George Russell’s weekend summed up Mercedes’ season thus far: flashes of promise but limited by pace. Starting from fifth, he held station in the early phases but couldn’t pressure Leclerc ahead. He salvaged a solid haul of points, though Mercedes remain off the pace this season.

Kimi Antonelli - C

The Italian scored points at his first home Grand Prix, finishing ninth, but the performance was overall uneven. Early stints showed promise before inconsistency cost him ground. A valuable learning weekend for the rookie, but one that highlighted Mercedes’ lack of race pace as much as his inexperience.

The Dutchman will be happy for his first win since Imola | Credit: Formula One

Red Bull Racing

Max Verstappen - A+

Max Verstappen was simply lovely.

A new Monza track record in qualifying gave him his 45th career pole, and he converted with total control, finishing nearly 20 seconds clear of Norris. His win was historic: the fastest World Championship Grand Prix in history. A flawless weekend for the current World Champion.

Yuki Tsunoda - C

Yuki Tsunoda struggled for pace all weekend, qualifying in the midfield and failing to make meaningful inroads during the race. Finishing outside the points, it was another subdued showing that only amplifies the uncertainty around his long-term seat.

Williams

Alexander Albon - B+

Alexander Albon continues to overperform in the midfield. Clever strategy and skill from the Williams’ front-man saw him finish seventh in the field, comfortably ahead of his teammate.

Once again, Albon proved he can maximize the Williams’ potential, keeping the team afloat in a contentious Constructors’ midfield.

Carlos Sainz - C

Carlos Sainz had a muted weekend. Qualifying down the order left him with work to do, and despite glimpses of speed, he couldn’t break into the points. Eleventh at the flag leaves him still stuck behind Albon in both results and team hierarchy.

Kick Sauber

Nico Hülkenberg - C

Misfortune struck immediately as Nico Hülkenberg was forced to retire on the opening lap with mechanical issues. A disappointing end to a weekend where he had shown signs of top ten pace.

Gabriel Bortoleto - B

The rookie impressed again with another points finish in eighth. Holding off more experienced drivers in the midfield, he demonstrated composure and maturity under pressure. A steadily growing reputation marks him as one of the standout rookies of the season.

Racing Bulls

Isack Hadjar - B-

Isack Hadjar fought hard to bring home a single point in tenth. While not as eye-catching as his Zandvoort performance, the result underlined his determination to score consistently. Mistakes still creep into his weekends, but his progression is clear.

Liam Lawson - C

Liam Lawson’s Monza weekend fizzled out rather quickly. Starting deep in the pack, he couldn’t make headway and finished outside the points in 14th. His lack of standout results compared to Hadjar’s run of recent continues to hurt his case for a secure seat.

Aston Martin will look towards Baku with hopeful eyes | Credit: Formula One

Aston Martin

Lance Stroll - C-

A subpar performance from Lance Stroll saw him finish far outside the points in 18th. As the last of the drivers to finish, Stroll matched his teammates in points brought home. None.

Fernando Alonso - C

Fernando Alonso’s Monza weekend ended in heartbreak with a suspension failure on lap 25. Even before the retirement, he looked unlikely to score, leaving Aston Martin to rue yet another weekend of poor returns.

Haas

Oliver Bearman - C

Oliver Bearman’s weekend was steady rather than spectacular. He brought the car home in 12th, clear of his teammate but never in points contention. A respectable drive, but nothing noteworthy.

Esteban Ocon - C-

Esteban Ocon endured a rather forgettable race, finishing 15th with little to show. Haas’ lack of straight-line speed left them stranded in the lower midfield throughout the weekend, with Monza highlighting their limitations.

Alpine

Pierre Gasly - D+

Pierre Gasly’s season slump continued with another poor showing. Starting from the pit lane due to power unit penalties, he never recovered and finished well outside the points.

Franco Colapinto - C

Franco Colapinto brought the car home in 17th but struggled for pace all weekend. For the rookie, it was valuable mileage, though Alpine’s struggles ensured he was never truly in contention. 

Looking ahead

The 2025 Italian Grand Prix was defined by extremes. Verstappen's dominance reminded the field of his enduring brilliance, McLaren's pre-decided teamwork kept the title fight alive, and Ferrari salvaged pride with a solid showing in front of their fans. For others, Monza exposed frailties–Mercedes still searching for answers, Red Bull's second seat under scrutiny once more, and the rest of the midfield looking ahead at next season.

As the paddock packs up, all eyes turn to Round 17 in Baku. The streets of Azerbaijan will over stark contrast: tight walls, punishing straights, and endless unpredictability. If Monza was about history, Baku will be about survival.