Max Verstappen set a new Formula 1 record to claim pole for the Italian Grand Prix, clocking 1:18.792 and averaging over 164mph. The Red Bull star edged out McLaren rivals Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri in a thrilling qualifying session.
Verstappen’s performance marked a major turnaround after last year’s struggles at Monza, giving Red Bull fresh momentum under new team principal Laurent Mekies.
Ferrari also impressed 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 push him down to 10th.
Norris narrowly avoided disaster in Q2 but held on to secure second, keeping the intra-team title battle with Piastri alive.
Sunday’s race promises a tense showdown as Verstappen leads the charge against a fast McLaren challenge.
