Max Verstappen set the fastest lap in Formula 1 history to claim pole for the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, posting 1:18.792 and averaging over 164mph. He edged out McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri in a tightly contested session.
The result marks a turnaround for Verstappen, who struggled at the same track last year. Red Bull now shows renewed form under new team principal Laurent Mekies following Christian Horner’s departure.
Ferrari impressed at their home race, with Lewis Hamilton finishing fifth in qualifying behind Charles Leclerc, though a grid penalty drops him to 10th.
Norris held off Piastri to secure second, maintaining his title fight hopes despite trailing his teammate by 34 points. With Verstappen on pole and McLaren close behind, Sunday’s race promises intense action at one of F1’s most historic circuits.
