Max Verstappen claimed a sensational pole for the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, setting the fastest lap in F1 history with a 1:18.792, averaging over 164mph, ahead of McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
The result marked a striking turnaround for Verstappen, who struggled at the same track last year, calling his car “undriveable.” Red Bull’s new leadership under Laurent Mekies appears to be yielding results after Christian Horner’s departure.
Ferrari impressed too, with Lewis Hamilton making his Monza debut for the Scuderia and qualifying fifth behind Charles Leclerc, though a grid penalty will drop him to 10th.
Norris’s second-place effort was vital in his title battle with teammate Piastri, narrowly advancing through Q2 after an aborted lap.
With Verstappen back at the front and McLaren still strong, Sunday’s race promises intense action at one of F1’s most historic circuits.
