WATCH - Gabriel Bortoleto wins Formula 2 Italian GP from 22nd position, India's Kush Maini shines too

Gabriel Bortoleto, the rising star of the McLaren junior program, delivered an awe-inspiring performance at the Monza feature race, turning what seemed like a challenging start into a sensational victory. Starting from the back of the grid, Bortoleto's victory was a perfect blend of skill, strategy, and a dash of good fortune, significantly altering the dynamics of the championship.

The race started with Zane Maloney on the pole, but chaos immediately ensued. As the cars jostled for position, Paul Aron made an ambitious move on Maloney at Rettifilo, only to be rear-ended by Pepe Marti, who had an explosive start from seventh. The collision brought out the first Safety Car, setting the stage for a race-defining moment.

Here is the victory celebration:

ELE TEM TALENTO
ELE FAZ HISTÓRIA
ELE TEM O POVO
ELE É BRASILEIRO

✨ GABRIEL BORTOLETO ✨pic.twitter.com/nfMsLeGx3u

— júlinha⁵⁵ 🏁 | @formulaweek na vizinha (@juliachives) September 1, 2024

Bortoleto, recognizing an opportunity during the Safety Car period, pitted early, completing his mandatory stop while most of the field remained on track. This strategic move allowed him to rejoin the race behind a queue of cars that had yet to stop, positioning him for a potential charge up the field.

As the race resumed on lap three, Bortoleto was already on the move. He skillfully manoeuvred through the field, eventually finding himself in a battle with his teammate, Kush Maini, for the lead. In a decisive move at the Roggia chicane, Bortoleto overtook Maini and never looked back, controlling the race with remarkable composure.

Maloney struggles after a poor pit stop!

Meanwhile, Maloney, who had led the race early, found himself in a fierce battle after his pit stop. Despite his best efforts, he could not catch Bortoleto, who crossed the finish line with a commanding lead, securing his second win of the season.

The implications of Bortoleto's victory are significant for the championship standings. He now trails the championship leader, Isack Hadjar, by just 10.5 points, with six races remaining. Maloney, who finished second at Monza, also moves back into championship contention, though he remains 30 points adrift.

This performance at Monza will be remembered as a turning point in Bortoleto's career, showcasing his ability to seize opportunities and execute race-winning strategies under pressure. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Bortoleto as he continues to challenge for the championship title.