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F1: Vettel makes Grand Prix history with a shock win at Monza

Finnish driver Heikki Kovalainen of McLaren Mercedes drives straight through a chicane during the Italian Grand Prix in Monza, Italy, yesterday. PHOTO: AFP

German Sebastian Vettel won the Italian Grand Prix yesterday in treacherous wet conditions to become the youngest race winner in Formula One history.

The 21-year-old led all the way from the lights to the checkered flag, apart from the pit stop windows, to give his Toro Rosso team the greatest day in their history.

Vettel, who made history on Saturday by becoming the youngest driver to win pole, drove superbly to finish almost 13 seconds ahead of Heikki Kovalainen, in a McLaren, with Poland’s Robert Kubica finishing third for BMW Sauber.

Two-time world champion Spaniard Fernando Alonso was fourth for Renault, German Nick Heidfeld fifth in the second BMW and Brazilian Felipe Massa sixth for Ferrari, scoring his first ever points in an Italian Grand Prix. Championship leader Lewis Hamilton of Britain finished seventh for McLaren to claim two points that helped him preserve his lead in the title race, though it was cut to just one point, appeals notwithstanding.

Australian Mark Webber came home eighth for Red Bull after a wheel-bashing incident.

The previous youngest race winner was Spaniard Alonso, who was 22 years and 26 days old when he won the 2003 Hungarian Grand Prix for Renault. Vettel will not be 22 until July 3 next year. Vettel is 21 years and 73 days old.

As he drove his slow down race, banging his racing helmet in disbelief, Vettel said to his team on the radio: “I don’t know what to say, I have no words. It is amazing. Grazie mille, grazie. Great job everybody.”
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