Max Verstappen set a new Formula 1 record to claim pole for the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, posting a 1:18.792 lap at an average speed of over 164mph. He edged McLaren duo Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri in a thrilling qualifying session.
The result marks a turnaround for Verstappen, who last year described his car as “undriveable” at Monza. Red Bull’s strong pace comes amid adjustments under new team principal Laurent Mekies following Christian Horner’s departure.
Ferrari impressed on home soil as well, with Lewis Hamilton finishing fifth in his Monza debut for the Scuderia, narrowly behind Charles Leclerc, though a grid penalty drops him to 10th.
Norris survived a Q2 scare to secure second, a crucial boost in his championship battle against teammate Piastri, who trails him by 34 points.
Sunday’s race promises high-speed drama as Verstappen looks to fend off McLaren and Ferrari at one of F1’s most iconic tracks.
