Max Verstappen claimed pole position at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza, setting the fastest lap in Formula 1 history with a time of 1:18.792, averaging over 164mph. He edged out McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri in a thrilling qualifying session.
The result marks a sharp turnaround for Verstappen, who last year called his car an “undriveable monster” at the same track. Red Bull, under new principal Laurent Mekies following Christian Horner’s departure, showed renewed pace and confidence.
Ferrari also made an impression at their home race. Lewis Hamilton, making his Monza debut for the Scuderia, qualified fifth behind teammate Charles Leclerc, though a grid penalty drops him to 10th.
Norris narrowly avoided disaster in Q2 after an aborted lap, securing second place ahead of Piastri, keeping his championship hopes alive despite trailing his teammate by 34 points.
With Verstappen on pole and McLaren proving competitive, Sunday’s race promises intense action at one of F1’s fastest circuits.
