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Max Verstappen delivered a blistering qualifying performance at Monza to secure pole position for the Italian Grand Prix, cementing his name alongside Sebastian Vettel in Red Bull’s record books. The Dutchman outpaced McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri in scorching conditions at the Temple of Speed, ensuring he starts Sunday’s race from the coveted P1 slot.
Verstappen’s lap was nothing short of sensational. Clocking an average speed of 264.682 km/h (164.466 mph), he set a new fastest lap in Formula 1 history. The achievement not only reaffirmed his dominance but also handed Red Bull their first-ever Monza pole in the turbo-hybrid era.
Max Verstappen equals Vettel, sets new Red Bull benchmark
The Monza triumph marks Verstappen’s 45th pole position with Red Bull, equalling Vettel’s tally and establishing a new team record. The feat also lifted Red Bull’s overall count to 108 poles, surpassing Lotus for fifth place on the all-time list.
No driver has won at Monza from pole in the past five Grands Prix, but Max Verstappen’s relentless form suggests he may be ready to break that streak. His ability to deliver under immense pressure continues to set him apart in the championship battle.
McLaren push hard but fall just short
McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri proved strong contenders throughout qualifying. Norris edged out his teammate to claim second, marking the first time he has out-qualified Piastri since Belgium. Notably, Norris’s lap was quick enough to eclipse the previous fastest lap in F1 history, highlighting just how razor-thin the margins were.
Piastri, meanwhile, will line up in third but faces a daunting challenge — he has yet to convert a P3 start into victory in his career.
Ferrari, Mercedes, and young talents in the mix
Charles Leclerc secured fourth, a familiar spot for the Monegasque after starting from the same grid position en route to victory at Monza last year.
Mercedes faced contrasting fortunes. Lewis Hamilton qualified fifth but will start from P10 after a five-place grid penalty, while teammate George Russell benefits from the shuffle to begin in P5 for the second consecutive race.
Among the rising stars, Kimi Antonelli clinched his best-ever grid slot with P6, while Gabriel Bortoleto equalled his season-best in P7. Fernando Alonso impressed with his highest Monza start since 2022, beginning in eighth, while Yuki Tsunoda grabbed his personal-best Monza start in P9.
Tight margins define Monza showdown
The battle for supremacy was tighter than ever, with just 0.293 seconds separating P1 to P10 in Q2. From established champions to promising newcomers, the qualifying session showcased the incredible competitiveness of modern Formula 1.
As the grid locks in for race day, all eyes will be on Max Verstappen. With history already secured, the Dutchman now faces the ultimate challenge — converting pole at Monza into victory, something that has eluded drivers for half a decade.
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