Max Verstappen stormed to pole position at Monza with the fastest lap in Formula One history, clocking 1:18.792 at an average speed of 164.46mph. The Red Bull driver edged out McLaren rivals Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, who settled for second and third.
The result marked a major turnaround for Verstappen and Red Bull, who struggled badly at Monza last year and have been outpaced by McLaren for much of the season. “It’s not always been a good track for us … this year much better and very happy to be first,” Verstappen said.
Ferrari showed promise at their home race, with Charles Leclerc and newcomer Lewis Hamilton qualifying fourth and fifth. Hamilton, racing at Monza for the first time in red, was given a rapturous reception by the Tifosi, though a grid penalty drops him to 10th for Sunday’s start.
For Norris, finishing ahead of Piastri was crucial as he trails his teammate by 34 points in the championship. His qualifying session was nearly derailed by an error in Q2, but he recovered under pressure to secure a front-row spot.
With McLaren still carrying the stronger race pace, Verstappen faces a fierce challenge to convert pole into victory, but his record-breaking lap has given Red Bull fresh hope.
