Max Verstappen set a blistering pace to claim pole at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza, posting the fastest lap in F1 history with a 1:18.792 effort, averaging over 164mph. He edged out McLaren duo Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
The result marks a turnaround for Verstappen, who last year called his car an “undriveable monster” at Monza. Red Bull, under new principal Laurent Mekies after Christian Horner’s departure, will take confidence from the performance.
Ferrari also impressed at their home race. Lewis Hamilton, making his Monza debut for the Scuderia, thrilled fans and qualified fifth behind teammate Charles Leclerc, though a grid penalty drops him to 10th.
Norris overcame a scare in Q2 to secure second, a vital result in his title battle with teammate Piastri. With Verstappen on pole and McLaren still competitive, Sunday’s race promises a thrilling showdown at one of F1’s fastest circuits.
