Verstappen Secures Record F1 Pole at Italian GP

Max Verstappen secured pole position at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza with the fastest lap in Formula One history, completing a lap in 1:18.792 and breaking Lewis Hamilton's 2020 track record by 0.095 seconds. Verstappen edged out McLaren's Lando Norris by 0.077 seconds, who qualified second, while championship leader Oscar Piastri took third, setting up a front row dominated by Red Bull and McLaren. Despite his record-breaking lap, Verstappen acknowledged the challenge ahead with McLaren's dominance this season, as they have won 12 of 15 races, and he trails Piastri by 104 points in the standings. New Zealand's Liam Lawson struggled in qualifying, having his final flying lap deleted for exceeding track limits and starting 19th, with teammate Isack Hadjar failing to advance and starting from the pit lane due to a power unit change. Brazilian Gabriel Bortoleto matched his best qualifying position by securing seventh on the grid, highlighting a strong performance for Sauber. The race promises to be a critical test for Verstappen as he aims to disrupt McLaren's recent dominance.