Motor racing-Leclerc delivers home win for Ferrari at Monza

Charles Leclerc overcame a 10-second penalty to win the Italian Grand Prix at Monza for Ferrari on Sunday, ahead of Mercedes’ George Russell and McLaren’s Lando Norris.

Leclerc started from pole position but was forced to make an early pit stop after contact with McLaren’s Daniel Ricciardo. He dropped to the back of the field but fought back to take the lead on lap 12.

He was given a 10-second penalty for cutting a chicane while battling with Sergio Perez but still managed to hold on for the win. It was his third victory of the season and Ferrari’s first home win since 2010.

Russell finished second for Mercedes, ahead of Norris, who took his first podium finish since the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in April.

Sergio Perez finished fourth for Red Bull, ahead of Carlos Sainz in the second Ferrari.

The race was overshadowed by the death of Anthoine Hubert in a Formula 2 race on Saturday. A minute’s silence was held before the start of the race in his memory.

The win was a special moment for Leclerc, who is from Monaco and grew up watching the Italian Grand Prix. He said: “It’s an incredible feeling to win here. I’ve always dreamed of winning at Monza and to do it in a Ferrari is very special.

“The race was very difficult, but I never gave up. I had a great car and a great team behind me, and we never stopped believing.

“This win is for Anthoine. He was a great friend and a great driver, and we will never forget him.”