Max Verstappen produced a breathtaking performance at Monza to take pole position for the Italian Grand Prix, edging out Lando Norris by just 0.077 seconds. The reigning world champion set a stunning lap time of 1:18.792, the fastest ever in Formula 1 history, averaging more than 164 mph and breaking the benchmark set in 2020.
For Verstappen and Red Bull, the turnaround has been remarkable. This time last year, the team struggled badly at Monza, with Verstappen describing his car as “undriveable” after qualifying only seventh. Twelve months on, the Dutchman and his team found a perfect balance at the high-speed circuit where 70% of the lap is taken at full throttle. The result marks his fifth pole of the season and a crucial boost as the team adapts to a new era under team principal Laurent Mekies.
The battle for the front row could not have been tighter. McLaren, the dominant force of the season, looked strong throughout qualifying, with both Norris and Oscar Piastri pushing hard. Norris managed to secure second ahead of his teammate, an important gain as he looks to close the 34-point gap to Piastri in the championship. His effort came despite a scare in Q2 when he overcooked his entry into turn one and was forced to recover on a last-minute hot lap to make it through to the final session.
Ferrari, racing in front of their passionate home support, also showed renewed competitiveness. Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton finished fourth and fifth, both within two-tenths of Verstappen’s record pace. Hamilton, making his first Italian Grand Prix appearance for Ferrari, was greeted with thunderous cheers from the Tifosi and later described the atmosphere as unlike anything he had experienced. However, his five-place grid penalty from the Dutch Grand Prix means he will start tenth.
As the stage is set for Sunday’s race, Verstappen faces the challenge of keeping the two McLarens at bay over a full distance. Norris and Piastri will continue their own duel for the championship, but Verstappen’s resurgence signals he will not go quietly in his pursuit of more silverware. Ferrari, meanwhile, will be eager to harness the energy of their fans to deliver a home result. With margins so fine, the Italian Grand Prix promises a thrilling contest.
