What we learned from the Italian Grand Prix

Sport360 staff 10:47 06/09/2016
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  • What did you take away from the weekend?

    After a dramatic weekend of racing in Monza, we look back at five things we learned from the Italian Grand Prix.

    What did you make of the racing in Italy and who do you think will win the drivers’ championship; Lewis Hamilton or Nico Rosberg?

    Have your say by commenting below, using #360fans on Twitter or getting in touch via Facebook.

    HAMILTON RETAINS HIS APPETITE 

    Hamilton may have blown the championship wide open following his poor start, but the defeat did not dampen his appetite.

    The world champion chomped on a number of Kinder Schoko-Bons – his chocolate of choice – as he conducted his post-race media duties.

    Hamilton's favoured snack.

    Hamilton’s favoured snack.

    Perhaps the Briton was seeking comfort after watching Rosberg seal back-to-back victories?

    Indeed it appears we could suddenly have a title battle back on our hands.

    PALMER FEELING THE PRESSURE

    British rookie Jolyon Palmer, who is running out of time to convince his Renault bosses that he is deserving of another season, had some choice words for Felipe Nasr after their crash in Monza.

    The pair tangled on the second lap, and both retired, but Nasr was deemed at fault for the incident and was handed a 10-second penalty.

    “I was trying to take a place off Nasr but he forced me off the track,” Palmer, 25, said. “The penalty for him is irrelevant. I think it should be a grid penalty for the next race.”

    TIME RUNNING OUT FOR KVYAT?

    Russian Daniil Kvyat has endured a rather miserable time of it since he was dumped by Red Bull.

    There was some suggestion that he may not make it to the end of the season with Toro Rosso.

    Indeed Pierre Gasly, the 20-year-old Frenchman, hinted he could be in line to replace Kvyat in Singapore.

    In response, Red Bull boss Helmut Marko said: “Kvyat will be in the Toro Rosso in Singapore. I cannot imagine that Gasly is so stupid to make these comments.”

    Gasly later denied making such a suggestion in a tweet shown below.

    ZIKA VIRUS A CONCERN

    Teams will hold further talks to determine how best to deal with the Zika virus.

    Last week, there were nearly 250 reported cases in Singapore – the venue for the next round of the championship – while Mexico and Brazil are also considered “high risk” countries.

    Puma, who supply the kit to Red Bull, will provide the team with long-sleeved apparel, while Mercedes will have extra layers of clothing.

    There had been speculation that a number of Williams staff were skip Singapore, but that has been denied.

    BUTTON’S FAREWEL BEGINS IN STYLE

    Jenson Button kicked off what could be the start of his farewell tour with a decent recovery from last – after a scrappy first lap – to finish 12th.

    His recovery drive also included a pass on his McLaren team-mate Fernando Alonso.

    “I’m very happy with my performance,” said Button, who revealed that he will not be racing in the sport next season.

    “To come through and finish 12th isn’t great, but it wasn’t too bad considering the first lap.”

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