Max Verstappen set a new Formula 1 record to claim pole at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza, posting a 1:18.792 lap at an average speed exceeding 164mph. He edged out McLaren rivals Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
The pole marked a turnaround for Verstappen, who described his car as an “undriveable monster” at Monza last year. Red Bull’s renewed form comes under new leadership with Laurent Mekies taking over from Christian Horner.
Ferrari impressed at their home race, with Lewis Hamilton finishing fifth in qualifying behind Charles Leclerc, though a grid penalty drops him to 10th.
Norris narrowly avoided disaster in Q2 and secured second, a crucial result in his title fight with teammate Piastri, who trails him by 34 points.
With Verstappen on pole and McLaren still competitive, Sunday’s race promises a high-stakes showdown at one of F1’s fastest circuits.
