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Nico Hulkenberg is about to pull off into the safety escape lane before the chicane and create even more chaos. Look at how close the cars are waiting for someone to make the first move and pull away.
Today saw the qualifying for the Italian Grand Prix at Monza and it didn't go according to plan. This is the first time that cutting the time in the pits to the last minute bites you in the backside. We always see it as everyone wants to set the last time trying to get the best of the track conditions knowing the time to beat.
Today was different though as not one driver wanted to be the first one out as the time difference gained from getting a slip stream or a tow is around half a second. It may not seem much, but this track has long straights and is a fast layout. Speed is everything and half a second gained would lead to a much better qualifying time.
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I have never seen this happen before in a Q3 session. The stewards need to make sure this doesn't become the normal in the future.
Le Clerc was leading in the first part of the fianl session when everyone went back to the pits for their usual final checks and then leave with enough time to do one warm up lap and a final one lap shootout for the pole. Hulkenberg was the first one out which triggered everyone into a mass exodus as now they had a slip stream to follow. Hulkenberg though slowed down and went into the exit lane by the chicane and was hoping for someone to then pass him. All the cars slowed down and Hulkenberg was left out in the front still. With all the tactics being played out they all ran out of time except for carlos Sainz who was the only one to make it across the line before the cut off time. Le Clerc's original time earlier in the session stood and he has pole for tomorrows race.
This is the first time I have seen this happen and it shows you how important the slip stream really is on this kind of track. Whoever is in front needs to get a large enough distance between the car behind so they are not helping them gain an advantage. This race is wide open and I don't expect Le Clerc to win and I am looking at either Vettel or Hamilton for this one tomorrow.