Verstappen Snaps Pole in Monza with RB21 Trick; Tsunoda Warns Red Bull

Max Verstappen secured his fifth pole position of the 2025 season at Monza, beating Lando Norris by a mere 0.077 seconds. His precision and skill were evident on the challenging low-downforce track, marking his first pole since the British Grand Prix.

Why it matters

Verstappen's ability to snatch pole underscores Red Bull's continued dominance in qualifying, even on tracks that traditionally level the playing field. It sets the stage for a critical race as he looks to convert his advantage into a victory.

The details

• Verstappen's edge: The Red Bull driver revealed that crucial adjustments made to the RB21 after the final practice session allowed him to push harder in Q3. He described the car's performance as strong throughout the weekend.
• Tsunoda's warning: Meanwhile, Yuki Tsunoda, who qualified P10, voiced concerns about the RB21's pace. He stated the car is "not fast," despite continuous upgrades.
• Tow effect: Tsunoda highlighted the significant impact of the slipstream (tow) at Monza, suggesting it played a role in his Q3 objective.

What's next

Verstappen acknowledged that Sunday races have often been tougher this season, implying that while pole is a strong start, the race itself will be a different challenge. He remains focused on maximizing his team's chances. Tsunoda's comments suggest ongoing challenges for the broader Red Bull setup, indicating that while progress is being made, significant leaps in car performance are yet to be seen.