Max Verstappen called the ending of the Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix "unfortunate" as the race ended behind the Safety Car. On Lap 48 of 53, Daniel Ricciardo's McLaren retired between the Lesmo corners, leading to a Safety Car to allow marshals to retrieve it. However, it took longer than expected, meaning the race at Monza became the first to end behind the Safety Car since the 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix. It meant Verstappen took a 31st Grand Prix win, equal to Fernando Alonso, and fifth in succession to move even closer to a second world crown. "We had a great race on every compound and we were quickest," he said post-race. "We have a really good race car, and basically we were just controlling the gap at the end and the Safety Car came out. "Unfortunately, we didn't get a restart. But overall, a really good day. "I had a clean [first] chicane, and then I could quickly get back into my rhythm and get into second [place]. "It was really enjoyable to drive today, even though it was quite hot out there."
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