Italian Grand Prix 2025 F1 Qualifying: Verstappen Steals Monza Pole From McLarens With Record Lap

Max Verstappen managed to claim pole position at the Italian Grand Prix with the fastest lap in the track's history.

Lando Norris looked set to lead the grid for Sunday's race after recovering from a shaky second qualifying round, but Verstappen set a brilliant lap time of 1:18:792 to finish 0.077seconds ahead of the British driver.

Oscar Piastri will start from third at Monza after finishing 0.190secs behind Verstappen, while Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and Mercedes' George Russell make up the top five.

Lewis Hamilton initially qualified in fifth but will start from 10th due to his five-place grid penalty, while Kimi Antonelli, Gabriel Bortoleto, Fernando Alonso and Yuki Tsunoda also finished inside the top 10.

The Williams duo of Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon will start from 13th and 14th, respectively, while a frustrated Isack Hadjar, who earned his first podium last weekend at Zandvoort, failed to make it past the first qualifying round in 16th.

Verstappen called his pole position at Monza a "great moment" for Red Bull, but is still feeling apprehensive about the race.

"Around here, with the low downforce, it's very difficult to nail the lap. Under braking, it's easy to make mistakes," said Verstappen.

"Q3 felt good, happy with the laps, and to be on pole here is fantastic. The car has been working well here the whole weekend, and to be able to fight for pole, I'm very happy.

"We were still lacking a tiny amount [going into qualifying], we made some final changes which allowed me to push a bit more, which is exactly what you need in qualifying. For us, it's a great moment.

"Historically, this season the race has always been more complicated for us, but we'll give it everything we have. That's all we can do, and we will see what happens."

Norris managed to secure a spot on the front row despite being at risk of elimination in the second round of qualifying.

Norris, who is 34 points behind Piastri in the drivers' championship, is aiming to become the sixth driver to reach 10 race victories for McLaren.

Although he was pleased with his final lap, Norris expects a tough challenge against Verstappen in the race.

"Max has been quick all weekend, and it's never a surprise with Max," said Norris.

"It was quite a session for me, just up and down and too many mistakes here and there. To put it all together on the last lap, I was pretty happy, so happy with P2.

"I always give my result based on how I drove on the day. I feel like I didn't do the best of jobs, but P2, I'm still happy with. Good things and bad things.

"Sunday race pace is normally our strength, but to get past Ma,x I'm sure will be a challenge."

Qualifying Top 10

1. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)

2. Lando Norris (McLaren)

3. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)

4. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)

5. George Russell (Mercedes)

6. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)

7. Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber)

8. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)

9. Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull)

10. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)