Max Verstappen Outqualifies McLaren Drivers With Lap Record For Monza Pole
11 hours ago
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Red Bull Racing Formula One driver Max Verstappen has secured pole position for the Italian Grand Prix at Monza. He outqualified the dominant McLarens by setting a lap time of 1:18.792 seconds, breaking the lap record set by Lewis Hamilton five years ago.
Red Bull has been experiencing a challenging season that has been mostly dominated by McLaren. However, the pole position set by the four-time world champion could be the much-needed light at the end of the tunnel for the team that struggled with issues on the RB21 F1 car.
Verstappen had secured a provisional pole position in the early stages of Q3, which was beaten by Lando Norris when only a few seconds remained. However, Verstappen bounced back immediately and set the fastest time. Speaking to Nico Rosberg after the qualifying session, Verstappen explained how challenging it is to set the fastest time at Monza. He said:
“I think around here, you know, with the low downforce, it’s always very difficult to nail the lap. You know, under braking is easy to make mistakes also. But yeah, Q3 felt good.
Pole position qualifier Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing celebrates in parc ferme during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Italy at Autodromo Nazionale Monza on September 06, 2025… Pole position qualifier Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing celebrates in parc ferme during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Italy at Autodromo Nazionale Monza on September 06, 2025 in Monza, Italy.
Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images
“Happy with the laps. And of course, to be to be on pole here for us also is fantastic. You know, the car has been working a lot better the whole weekend. And yeah, to be able to fight for pole. I’m very happy with that.”
When asked if he expected to secure pole position before qualifying, the Dutchman said:
“It was tight. I mean, we were still lacking a tiny amount. We made some final changes, which I think allowed me to push a bit more. And that’s exactly what you need in qualifying. So yeah, for us, it’s a great moment.”
Asked if he will be successful in staying ahead of both McLarens during the Grand Prix on Sunday, Verstappen said:
“Yeah, let’s see. I mean, historically this season, the race has always been a little bit more complicated for us, but we’re going to give it, you know, everything we have. I think that’s the only thing that we can do. And then we’ll see what happens tomorrow.”
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