Verstappen Shatters Monza Record to Seize Italian Grand Prix Pole
Italian Grand Prix Qualifying Results and Monza Lap Record
Max Verstappen delivered a blistering statement in Italian Grand Prix qualifying at Monza on Saturday, storming to pole position with a 1:18.792 that set a new lap record at the Temple of Speed. The lap averaged 164.466 mph, the fastest in Formula 1 history, and secured the Dutchman’s fifth pole of the season in a standout F1 qualifying session at Monza.
Verstappen’s Pole Lap and Reaction
“I think around here with the low downforce, it’s always very difficult to nail the lap – under braking it’s easy to make mistakes also, but Q3 felt good,” said Verstappen. “Happy with the laps, and of course to be on pole here for us is fantastic. The car’s been working a lot better the whole weekend, and to be able to fight for pole, I’m very happy with that.
“It was tight. We were still lacking a tiny amount, made some final changes which I think allowed me to push a bit more, and that’s exactly what you need in Qualifying, so for us it’s a great moment.”
McLaren Challenge and Qualifying Battle
Verstappen initially topped the first Q3 runs before Lando Norris briefly grabbed the benchmark. But the Red Bull driver hit back on his final flier to reclaim P1, with Norris set to line up alongside on the front row and Oscar Piastri third after a strong showing for McLaren in the heat. The front-row lockout threat from McLaren underlined a compelling Italian Grand Prix qualifying battle at the Monza Circuit.
Red Bull Records and Historical Context
The pole was Verstappen’s 45th for Red Bull, eclipsing Sebastian Vettel’s team mark, and Red Bull’s 108th overall, moving the outfit past Lotus for fifth on the all-time list. It also marked the first time in the turbo-hybrid era that Red Bull have been fastest in Q3 at Monza. Yet recent history offers a note of caution for any Italian Grand Prix race predictions: no driver has won the Italian Grand Prix from pole in the past five editions.
Race-Day Expectations
Despite his dominant Saturday, Verstappen expects a fierce fight on Sunday, particularly against the McLarens. “Let’s see. Historically this season the race has always been a bit more complicated for us, but we’re going to give it everything we have,” he said. “I think that’s the only thing that we can do, and then we’ll see what happens tomorrow.”
Yuki Tsunoda’s Q3 Performance
Yuki Tsunoda added a bright subplot by reaching Q3 for only the second time in the last 10 races. He’ll start 10th after missing the crucial tow in the final segment. “In Q3 I wasn't able to have a slipstream,” he said after the session. “Traditionally this kind of track you want to have a bit of slipstream. I had to lead the pack in Q3, which is the opposite to what I want but in the end, overall, happy with the performance. Being in Q3 was the thing I wanted for long time. Overall happy with it.”
Italian Grand Prix Race Outlook
With Red Bull’s record-breaking pace set against Monza’s unforgiving trends, the stage is primed for a high-speed strategic showdown in Sunday’s Grand Prix, with F1 fans watching for Italian Grand Prix race pace, tire strategy, and whether a pole-sitter can finally convert at the Temple of Speed.
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