Gasly claims first career pole at 2026 Italian Grand Prix

Pierre Gasly will start the Italian Grand Prix from pole position for the first time in his F1 career. The Alpine driver delivered a fine lap at Monza, six years after his maiden win at the same circuit, to head the grid for Sunday's race.

Why it matters:

Gasly's pole is a major boost for Alpine, but the grid order has been altered by a penalty. Oscar Piastri's three-place drop for impeding Liam Lawson in Q2 means Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen each gain a spot, setting up an intriguing battle at the front.

The details:

The full 22-car grid: Gasly, Russell, Leclerc, Hamilton, Verstappen, Piastri, Colapinto, Norris, Lindblad, Bortoleto, Bearman, Hulkenberg, Sainz, Ocon, Tsunoda, Bottas, Perez, Alonso, Stroll, Antonelli, Albon, Lawson.

• Front row: Gasly (Alpine) ahead of George Russell (Mercedes).
• Ferrari pair: Charles Leclerc third, Lewis Hamilton fourth.
• Championship contenders: Max Verstappen fifth, Lando Norris eighth.
• Penalties: Kimi Antonelli, Alex Albon, and Liam Lawson take engine penalties and start 20th, 21st, and 22nd.

What's next:

Gasly will aim to convert his first pole into a second Monza victory, while Ferrari and Mercedes look to challenge at the front. Those starting at the back face a difficult recovery through the field.