Gasly Turns Monaco 'Robbery' Into Shock Monza Pole – Can He Win?

Pierre Gasly felt 'robbed' after losing his Monaco podium on appeal. Less than 24 hours later, he hit back with a stunning maiden pole for the Italian Grand Prix.

Why it matters:

It gives Alpine a real shot at victory at the track where Gasly won his only F1 race in 2020 — and erases the sting of a decision that stripped a podium they had already celebrated twice.

The details:

• Gasly's pole came a day after the FIA International Court of Appeal reinstated two five-second pit lane penalties, dropping him from third to seventh in Monaco.
• Alpine's Mercedes-powered, low-drag car is particularly strong at Monza, and Gasly admitted the appeal gave him 'extra motivation.'
• George Russell, starting alongside, joked Gasly beat him at chess before qualifying — and then beat him again on track.
• Alpine's Steve Nielsen said the Monaco result 'is going to annoy me for the rest of my life,' but called pole 'a nice way to bounce back.'

What's next:

Gasly is not ruling out a second win: 'Why not?' With championship leader Kimi Antonelli starting at the back, Russell can cut into his 59-point deficit. But Monza's high energy demands could deliver the 'yoyo' racing seen earlier this year, giving Gasly a real chance to stay ahead.