Max Verstappen claimed pole position for the Italian Grand Prix with the fastest lap in Formula One history, pipping McLaren's Lando Norris in a thrilling qualifying session at Monza. The Red Bull driver set a time of 1 minute 18.792 seconds, averaging over 164.46mph, to break Lewis Hamilton's 2020 record. Verstappen's final lap secured his fifth pole of the season, a remarkable achievement given Red Bull's recent struggles at the high-speed circuit.
The world champion's joy was evident after a turbulent 12 months that saw him win a fourth title, the dismissal of long-time team principal Christian Horner, and Red Bull being outpaced by McLaren. Last season, Verstappen described his car as an 'undriveable monster' at Monza, qualifying seventh and finishing sixth. This year, the team found a sweet spot, with Verstappen beating Norris and Oscar Piastri into second and third.
Ferrari also impressed at their home race, with Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc qualifying fourth and fifth, though Hamilton will start 10th due to a grid penalty. Hamilton, on his debut for the Scuderia at Monza, was greeted by an immense roar from the Tifosi. 'The Tifosi are everywhere, they are hiding behind trees,' he said. 'It is incredible to see the love that people have for this team.'
The margins were tiny, with the top spot briefly held by each of the frontrunners before Verstappen's late charge. The pole is a boost for new Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies, who replaced Horner after the British Grand Prix. Verstappen has confirmed he will drive for Red Bull next year, ending speculation about his future.
Norris, who trails Piastri by 34 points in the championship, had a scare in Q2 when he aborted a hot lap and had to complete a last-gasp run to progress. Starting 11th would have been a blow to his title hopes, but he secured third. Sunday's race promises a tight contest, with Verstappen aiming to keep McLaren behind him.
