Max Verstappen stormed to pole position for the Italian Grand Prix with the fastest lap in Formula One history, edging out McLaren rivals Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri in a thrilling qualifying session at Monza.
The Red Bull driver clocked a stunning 1:18.792, averaging 164.46mph, to secure his fifth pole of the season and hand his team a vital boost after a turbulent year. Verstappen, who described last year’s race as “a disaster,” called the result “big” for Red Bull at a track where they have often struggled.
Ferrari also showed promise at their home race, with Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc finishing fourth and fifth in qualifying, though Hamilton will start 10th after a grid penalty. The Briton, racing at Monza as a Ferrari driver for the first time, said the support from the Tifosi was “incredible.”
Norris, meanwhile, narrowly beat teammate Piastri to second place, a crucial advantage in their title battle. The Brit survived a scare in Q2 after a mistake at turn one forced him into a late recovery run.
With margins tight and McLaren still the team to beat, Verstappen faces a tough challenge to convert pole into victory — but Red Bull finally have reason for optimism.
