The Ferrari boys may have been down on pace today at Monza, but they made it up with some feisty fighting spirit. During the first 15 laps or so, both Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz had Max Verstappen cornered. But as the Scuderia’s deg deteriorated, Verstappen saw his chance and scooted away to yet another win. However, once the fight with the Dutch lion was off, the prancing horse didn’t switch off. Now, they were pitted against each other.

What ensued was a good 35+ laps of pure racing, back-and-forth between Sainz and Charles Leclerc. But ever so often, they came so, so close to ruining it for themselves and the Tifosi in attendance. In the end, they came out of it unscathed. That being said, after putting on a worthy show for the fans at the Temple of Speed, how unscathed is their relationship after this fiery Italian Grand Prix?

Nico Rosberg adds fuel to the Ferrari fire

During the entirety of the race, both Sainz and Leclerc battled hard for that final podium place. That battle lasted all the way through until the very last lap of the race! Eventually, after some really aggressive and stout defending, Sainz triumphed over his Monegasque teammate. The real question, however, is whether the battle bruises have created a rift within Maranello.

According to 2016 F1 champion, Nico Rosberg, behind the PR façade, there is a civil war brewing in the aftermath of the Italian Grand Prix. Rosberg explained, “I’m not sure what’s going on between Charles and Carlos. It’s a bit strange. Charles said he had such a nice fight, and he’ll have a beer with Carlos.”

“I’m not sure about that. Seriously, Carlos on one of those occasions was over the limit.”

Read More: “Feel Sorry for You”: Putting Historic Win on Backburner Verstappen Sympathizes With Sainz to Showcase Ultimate Sportsman Spirit

Locked in, the duo of Sainz and Leclerc didn’t want to give the other even an inch. This led to some really close shaves that threatened to end the race for both drivers on a few occasions. Surely, team boss Frederic Vasseur wouldn’t want to go through such an intense 51 laps ever again!

Fred Vasseur gives his verdict on dangerous Carlos Sainz x Charles Leclerc battle

It would’ve been a heart-in-the-mouth moment for Vasseur all throughout the race on several occasions. But putting things into perspective, the Tifosi got exactly what they wanted from their revered Italian Grand Prix. Vasseur isn’t one to neglect the prancing horse’s followers.

After the race, Vasseur was quoted by Motorsport.com as saying, “I’m a big fan of letting them race. I really appreciated the last couple of laps and I hope the fans did, too.”

Can Ferrari take this lethal edge and determination into the final few races of the season to topple Max Verstappen & Co.?

WATCH THIS STORY | Will Max Verstappen Retire Early from F1?