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Lando Norris, McLaren MCL35M, Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes W12

Why Italian GP success is on for McLaren even if Verstappen dominates

For the second time in 2021, McLaren will line up for the start of a grand prix from the first row. It knows it has the chance of "glory" if things go well for Daniel Ricciardo and Lando Norris at the start of the 2021 Italian Grand Prix, but even if they just maintain their grid positions, signs from the rest of the Monza weekend suggest success is very possible for Formula 1's other orange army

After Friday evening qualifying at the 2021 Italian Grand Prix, Mercedes was in a crushingly dominant position.

Despite Red Bull possessing the fastest package of the season overall, Monza’s high-speed, straight-filled nature does not suit its high-rake aerodynamic car concept. The team has not won at this track since 2013 and even with a particularly potent 2021 Honda engine improving Red Bull’s form in the power stakes against Mercedes, a Max Verstappen victory in Sunday’s grand prix did not look likely.

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