Max Verstappen set a new Formula 1 record to claim pole at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza, clocking 1:18.792 and averaging over 164mph. The Red Bull driver edged out McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
The performance marked a turnaround for Verstappen, who struggled at the same track last year. Red Bull’s renewed form comes under new team principal Laurent Mekies, following Christian Horner’s departure.
Ferrari impressed too, with Lewis Hamilton finishing fifth in qualifying behind teammate Charles Leclerc, though a grid penalty drops Hamilton to 10th.
Norris held off Piastri in a crucial title battle, recovering from a Q2 scare to secure second place. With Verstappen leading the grid, Sunday’s race at Monza promises high drama.
