Max Verstappen produced a stunning lap to take pole position for the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, edging out McLaren rivals Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
The Red Bull driver clocked a record-breaking 1:18.792, the fastest lap in Formula One history, averaging over 164mph. It marked a major turnaround from last year, when Verstappen described his car as an “undriveable monster” at the same circuit.
Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton, competing in his first Italian GP as a Scuderia driver, thrilled the home fans before finishing fifth in qualifying, though he will start 10th due to a grid penalty. Charles Leclerc took fourth.
The result gives Verstappen his fifth pole of the season and a much-needed boost for Red Bull, who have struggled against McLaren’s pace in recent months. Norris, trailing teammate Piastri in the championship, narrowly avoided disaster in Q2 but secured second place to keep his title hopes alive.
With the top contenders separated by mere tenths, Sunday’s race promises to deliver high drama on the historic Monza track.
