Seven, like the years that have passed since a Ferrari driver's last victory at Monza. Seven, like the points that divide Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton. Seven, like the number of grands prix that will be missing, after Monza, at the end of the World Championship. The challenge lights up, comes alive. Ferrari and Mercedes have never been so close in recent years, dominated by the English phenomenon, with the exception of last season in which Nico Rosberg triumphed.
The Monza circuit, the "temple of speed", should favor the silver arrows. The two German single-seaters fly on the long straight stretches of the Lombard track. Even in Spa, Belgium, it should have been the domain of Mercedes. Hamilton won, it's true, but Seb finished less than a second behind his rival, and very likely, with a few more laps, he would have won the race against all odds.
Formula 1 will leave Europe after Sunday, and the world championship will come alive in Asia and America. Balance reigns on the ranking. Vettel appears serene and motivated, he knows well that he has an entire nation on his shoulders, millions of fans of the red car disappointed by the last dark years, made up of disappointments and bitter defeats.
The weekend should have the rain as the absolute protagonist. Even thunderstorms are expected for today's tests. The first free practice confirmed the expectations. Hamilton in front, Bottas behind him to protect him from rival attacks. Third and fourth place for Vettel and Raikkonen, separated by more than a second. The rain could upset everything, with the baby Verstappen and Ricciardo very strong in the wet, and the two Force India loose cannons in a captivating championship.
Sunday at 14 the start. Ferrari fans dream of singing Mameli's anthem under the podium, possibly after hearing the German one.
