Formula 1 News: Verstappen wins sensational pole for Italian GP

Max Verstappen (pictured), carrying the Red Bull RB21 dog on his back, turned a lap of 1m18.792s to win a very close fight for the pole for the 2025 Italian GP at Monza.

–by Mark Cipolloni–

Verstappen’s lap broke Lewis Hamilton’s Monza record, and it was the fastest lap ever turned in the history of Formula 1 at 164.465 mph average.

That is Verstappen’s fifth pole of the season, joining Japan, Saudi Arabia, Miami, and Silverstone. It was a great lap – and actually a reasonable margin when gaps were so tight at nearly a tenth.

“I think around here with the low downforce, it is always difficult to nail the lap,” said Verstappen. Q3 felt good, liked the laps, and the car has been working better the whole weekend.

“We made some final changes that allowed me to push a bit more, and for us it is a great moment.”

Lando Norris thought he had a pole until Verstappen nipped him by 0.077s to get his 45th career pole.

“Max has been quick all weekend. It was quite a session from me, up and down so to pull it out on the last lap is a good feeling,” said Norris.

“P2 is not a bad position to be off the line. A good position for tomorrow and excited for the race. Our race on Sunday is normally our strength, but to get past Max will be a big challenge.”

Oscar Piastri gave McLaren teammate Norris a tow to finish 0.190s behind Verstappen in third.

“Nothing major; Turn 1 was a bit average, but the rest of the lap was tidy. It has just been incredibly tight this weekend, Max and Red Bull have been quick all weekend. The result is not a big surprise, but I would like to be a little bit further up,” said Piastri.

The fans were cheering for Ferrari, but they came up short. Charles Leclerc finished 0.215s behind Verstappen in 4th, while #44 Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton rounded out the top-5, 0.332s behind Verstappen.

One person 2nd place Norris might keep an eye on is Leclerc. Ferrari do look quick here, and if Leclerc can get ahead of Piastri… It could help Norris no end.

The Ferrari man will be motivated by the idea of another home podium for the Scuderia, as well as picking up some points after that double DNF last time out.

Ferrari could yet play a big part in proceedings tomorrow.

The last time the pole sitter won here was Leclerc in 2019. So Verstappen has his work cut out… But no one would ever bet against the Dutchman.

2025 Italian GP Qualifying Results

*Note – Hamilton penalized five grid places for a yellow-flag infringement at the previous round.