Last week at Zandvoort was Max Verstappen’s home race, but after his recent victory at Imola and now setting the fastest lap in Formula One history at Monza, it’s evident the Dutch driver is thriving.
Verstappen appeared unfazed by his record-breaking achievement. He remarked, “Honestly, I didn’t even think about it when I crossed the line, but it’s a positive result. The lap didn’t feel too difficult. The cars perform well at high speed, with good straight-line pace. Of course, in slower sections, we aren’t as strong as before. At certain circuits, these lap records are possible now. The new track surface and modified kerbs also play a role.”
Despite McLaren’s strong form this season, even Verstappen couldn’t guarantee securing a win from pole. Still, he remained confident after qualifying first with a lap time of 1:18.792, averaging 164.44 mph.
Lando Norris initially posted what was then the second-fastest lap ever at Monza before Verstappen claimed pole. Norris has struggled in decisive moments, as seen last week in Zandvoort, where he led qualifying but lost out to teammate Oscar Piastri in the final session.
Piastri qualified third, ahead of the two Ferraris, while Lewis Hamilton received a five-place grid penalty. Hamilton will start tenth, with George Russell, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Gabriel Bortoleto, Fernando Alonso, and Yuki Tsunoda completing the top ten.
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