Max Verstappen set the fastest lap in Formula 1 history to claim pole position for the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, stopping the clock at 1:18.792 and averaging over 164mph. The Red Bull driver edged out McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
After describing last year’s car as an “undriveable monster,” Verstappen’s pole signals a resurgence for Red Bull under new team principal Laurent Mekies, following Christian Horner’s departure.
Ferrari shone at their home race, with Lewis Hamilton making his Monza debut for the Scuderia and qualifying fifth, just behind Charles Leclerc, though a grid penalty will drop him to 10th.
Norris fought back from an aborted Q2 lap to secure second, keeping the pressure on teammate Piastri in the championship race.
Sunday’s race promises high drama, with Verstappen at the front and McLaren still a formidable challenge.
