F1 champion makes EXCITING return to former team

The return of a Formula 1 world champion sparked excitement in the garage of one of his former teams at last weekend's Italian Grand Prix.

On a thrilling afternoon in Monza, Ferrari star Charles Leclerc clinched a dramatic victory, much to the delight of the thousands of Italian fans desperate to see their home team deliver a big result.

F1 HEADLINES: Horner reveals Red Bull ‘trust’ issues as team chief DEMANDS FIA investigation

WATCH: Norris warns Piastri over risky overtake

The McLaren duo of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris completed the top three, while defending champion Max Verstappen endured another frustrating day at the office, finishing a long way back in sixth.

READ MORE: Imminent Adrian Newey DEADLINE for F1 future announcement 'revealed'

F1 Legend returns to former team

While Ferrari and McLaren had cause for celebration, there was more misery for Sauber, who once again found themselves at the back of the grid.

Despite boasting former Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas in their ranks, it's been a sobering season for the Swiss outfit, who will be replaced on the grid by Audi in 2026.

Neither Bottas or his team-mate Zhou Guanyu have finished in the points this season, and Sunday's race in northern Italy further highlighted their weaknesses.

Despite their weekend woes, the return of Kimi Raikkonen to the team garage did manage to at least raise a few smiles.

The Finn's stellar F1 career began at Sauber, before he went on to represent McLaren and Ferrari, where he won the 2007 world drivers' title.

Raikkonen returned to the team - albeit under a different name in Alfa Romeo - in 2019, where he spent three seasons before finally announcing his retirement.

The 21-time race winner was a welcome addition to the team's garage in Monza over the weekend as he watched the on-track drama unfold.

The Iceman keeping us cool in Monza 🇮🇹🧊#ItalianGP pic.twitter.com/2uOKDTzKTN

— Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber (@stakef1team_ks) August 31, 2024

READ MORE: Audi driver announcement imminent following 'UNACCEPTABLE' Italian GP

Related

Latest F1 News

F1 star announces 2025 CHANGE in official team statement

• Yesterday 17:59

F1 Explained

How much do F1 tyres cost? INSANE prices revealed for Las Vegas Grand Prix

• November 22, 2024 16:54