After McLaren had completely occupied the front row, it looked like McLaren were heading for a one-two finish for half the race. Piastri led Norris after the Australian passed the Briton on the outside of the second chicane on the opening lap.

Piastri’s honest but aggressive move saw Norris drop back to third place in the first stint of the race, while Leclerc also got past on the exit of the corner to move into second place.

After chasing Piastri and Leclerc during the first stint, Norris pitted first in an attempt to pass Leclerc, who responded on the following lap.

Ferrari pitted on the following lap, but McLaren’s strategy worked and put Norris past Leclerc, who initially complained on the radio.

McLaren pitted Piastri to ensure he retained the lead, in line with team rules that require fairness to both drivers. The race now looked set to be a battle for victory between the two McLarens.

However, Norris began to suffer from tyre wear and slowly fell back to five seconds behind Piastri. On lap 32, with 21 to go, he had to stop for the second time. Six laps later, Piastri followed him to ensure he stayed ahead again.

Leclerc now had a lead of just over 10 seconds over his teammate Carlos Sainz, with Piastri hot on their heels. Ferrari decided to take a chance.

They knew it would be difficult to get there with just one stop, especially as the first stop was so early in the season, but both drivers managed it.

But while Sainz dropped back to fourth behind the two McLarens, Leclerc’s lead was big enough to keep him in front and take one of the most stunning and improbable victories of the year.

The crowd cheered him as he crossed the finish line, taking his second victory at Monza for Ferrari, following his first in 2019.

“An incredible feeling,” said Leclerc. “I thought the first time would feel like this and the second time, if there was one, wouldn’t feel so special.

“But my God, the emotions in the last laps – just like in 2019. Unbelievable.

“Monaco and Monza are the two races I want to win every year.

“Of course I want to win as many as possible, and the World Championship as soon as possible, but these are the two most special ones and I managed to win them this year. It’s so, so special.”