Max Verstappen set the fastest lap in Formula 1 history to claim pole at Monza, clocking 1:18.792 and averaging over 164mph, narrowly beating McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
The result marks a turnaround for Verstappen, whose Red Bull struggled last year at the same track. With Laurent Mekies now leading the team after Christian Horner’s departure, the pole boosts Red Bull’s momentum.
Ferrari showed promise at their home race. Lewis Hamilton, in his Monza debut for the Scuderia, thrilled the Tifosi and qualified fifth behind Charles Leclerc, though a grid penalty will drop him to 10th.
Norris overcame an aborted lap in Q2 to secure second, keeping his championship hopes alive against teammate Piastri. Sunday’s race promises an intense battle with Verstappen in top form and McLaren close behind.
