Max Verstappen pips Norris for Italian Grand Prix pole with fastest F1 lap
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Red Bull driver just 0.077sec quicker than McLaren rival
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Dutchman’s flying lap beat record set by Hamilton in 2020
The beaming grin on Max Verstappen’s face showed what claiming pole position for the Italian Grand Prix meant to him and his Red Bull team. As records fell in a blur of speed at Monza, the world champion was perhaps the most unlikely victor after an impossibly tight contest.
The transformation since the 2024 Italian GP could not have been more stark. Over a tumultuous 12 months Verstappen has clung on to seal his fourth title last season, seen long-term Red Bull team principal Christian Horner be sacked and the team comprehensively out-paced by McLaren. Here, they at last found a sweet spot that has been sorely lacking.