Max Verstappen makes F1 history to produce unexpected outcome at Italian GP

Max Verstappen produced the fastest lap in Formula 1 history to snatch pole position for the Italian Grand Prix. It was an unexpected outcome with everyone at Monza anticipating a Ferrari assault on the McLarens with the passionate Tifosi roaring on the red cars.

But none of them could stop the Dutchman who secured his 45th career pole in a Red Bull which didn't look quick enough to truly challenge. And he did so in style, breaking Lewis Hamilton's Monza lap record with a lap at an average speed of 164.484mph.

Lando Norris will join him on the front row today and insisted it was no shock to see Verstappen at the front of the pack. He said: "Max has been quick all weekend and it is never a surprise with Max."

Norris endured a messy session but produced his best lap when it mattered to get the better of McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri. He added: "It was quite a session for me, just up and down and too many mistakes here and there. But to put it all together on the last lap, I am pretty happy with P2.

"I feel like I did not do the best of jobs, but to end up P2 I am still happy with. I want to be ahead of everyone and that includes my championship contenders and Oscar. It is still a good position for tomorrow and I am excited for the race."

Piastri leads the championship by 34 points after Norris' engine failure at Zandvoort last Sunday. But the Aussie wants to add to his seven wins this season as he bids to pip his more experienced team-mate to the title.

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He said: "I feel like I executed a pretty good session, built up to it and found my feet, but I think it's just been incredibly tight this weekend. Max and Red Bull look quick this weekend, a lot of teams look quick – it has not been quite so comfortable for us, so the result is not a big surprise.

"When you're on the lap, you're going for it. You're going for pole and you don't know what everyone else is going to pull off. There's still a long way to go. I'll try to make up some spots tomorrow, because I'd like a few more wins, if I can."

While the McLaren drivers insisted they were unsurprised by Verstappen's achievement, the Dutchman did not expect to beat everyone to pole. He said: "Around here with the low downforce, it's always very difficult to nail the lap.

"I was happy with the laps. The car has been working a lot better all weekend and to be on pole I'm very happy with that. For us, it's a great moment. Historically this season the race has been a little more complicated for us but we will give it everything we have."