Italian grand prix talking points

31 August 2016 10:53

Lewis Hamilton holds a nine-point advantage over championship rival Nico Rosberg after his superb comeback at the Belgian Grand Prix.

And following the drama of Spa, Formula One heads immediately to Italy for the 14th round of this marathon 21-race season. Here, Press Association Sport looks at the key talking points prior to Sunday's race in Monza.

MAX VERSTAPPEN IS LOSING FRIENDS

Max Verstappen could be in for a tough time when the drivers attend their pre-race briefing on Friday night. Kimi Raikkonen, who was involved in a number of highly-charged battles with the 18-year-old in Spa, believes the Dutchman will cause a big accident if he does not change his combative approach. Mercedes boss Toto Wolff also described Verstappen's style as dangerous, while Jacques Villeneuve, the 1997 world champion - who has never been one to mince his words - suggested Verstappen's aggressive style could "kill someone". Verstappen, caught up in a three-way tangle with Raikkonen and his Ferrari team-mate Sebastian Vettel on the opening lap, fought his corner after the race. "I think they should be ashamed to cause a crash like that with their amount of experience, and then complain about me," Verstappen defiantly said. Indeed do not expect him to change his view, or style, any time soon.

DON'T GO FERNANDO

Hamilton endured a rather turbulent affair with Fernando Alonso during their time together at McLaren, but the Briton hopes his former team-mate does not call time on his career next season. Alonso has failed to challenge at the front end of the pack since his move back to McLaren, and Hamilton told Spanish newspaper El Pais: "If he wants to retire next year, and I didn't get to race with him again, it would be really sad. It would not be a good show of what this sport is. You can't have someone as gifted as he is at the back and then stopping because he's not getting another opportunity again."

KEVIN MAGNUSSEN FIT TO DRIVE

Renault driver Kevin Magnussen was involved in a terrifying crash on Sunday, but his team expect him to be fully fit for Monza. The 23-year-old lost control of his Renault on the exit of Eau Rouge before slamming into the barrier at 180mph. He will undergo an FIA medical examination on Thursday before he is given the green light to participate, but it is expected to be a formality. "I've had several checks that show I am fit to race, and I am sure I will be in the car this weekend," Magnussen said. Magnussen was not the only member of the paddock in the wars on Sunday. A Williams mechanic dislocated his knee in the frenetic pit-lane rush after the Dane's crash. He received treatment at the track's medical centre before returning to the Williams garage on crutches, and he will be in Monza this weekend.

FERRARI READY TO IMPRESS THE TIFOSI

The tifosi - the name given to Ferrari's legion of fans - will turn out in force for their home race this weekend, and team principal Maurizio Arrivabene believes the Italian constructor have "turned the page" following a run of poor results. Raikkonen and Vettel qualified third and fourth respectively in Belgium before Vettel recovered to sixth, and Raikkonen ninth, after their first-corner tangle. "The performance we had, considering this damage, was quite good," Arrivabene, whose future at Ferrari is in doubt, said. "We have turned the page and we look forward to Monza with positive hopes."

Source: PA