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.
Read next
Andreeva's French Open victory highlights the impact of Martínez and women coaches
Conchita Martínez was describing her player’s journey to a maiden grand-slam title when Mirra Andreeva interrupted. Accompanied by officials and a staff member holding the Coupe Suzanne-Lenglen, the new French Open champion entered the room to cause mischief.
Andreeva asked, “What is the best thing about working with Mirra
Lewis Hamilton confident he is nearing first victory with Ferrari
Lewis Hamilton believes a victory for Ferrari is possible following his second-place finish at the Monaco Grand Prix. The seven-time champion is determined to pursue Kimi Antonelli, the current Formula One leader who secured another win in Monte Carlo.
Driving for Mercedes, Antonelli dominated the race, maintaining his lead through
Hodgkinson: Shock loss will fuel my pursuit of 800m world record this summer
In a dramatic event in Stockholm, Audrey Werro recorded the fastest 800m time seen since the Cold War era, defeating Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson. Werro finished in 1min 53.98sec, marking the third fastest time in history. She now trails only Jarmila Kratochvilova’s 1983 world record of 1:53.