Max Verstappen set the fastest lap in Formula 1 history to claim pole for the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, timing 1:18.792 at an average speed of over 164mph. He edged out McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri in a tightly contested qualifying session.
After a challenging season last year, when Verstappen described his car as an “undriveable monster,” Red Bull’s performance at Monza marks a welcome turnaround under new team principal Laurent Mekies.
Ferrari also 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 place, keeping the fight with teammate Piastri alive despite trailing him by 34 championship points.
Sunday’s race promises an intense battle as Verstappen aims to hold off McLaren at one of F1’s fastest circuits.
