Verstappen Secures Monza Pole but Cautious on Race Pace for Italian GP

Why it matters

Max Verstappen's stellar pole position at Monza doesn't guarantee victory, as Red Bull's race pace in 2025 has been a consistent challenge.

The details

• Verstappen claimed his fifth pole of the 2025 season, the 45th of his career, with a record-breaking lap at the Italian Grand Prix.
• He will start ahead of McLaren's Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
• This marks a chance for his third win of the 2025 season, following a tougher campaign with Red Bull's RB21.

Verstappen's outlook

"It's difficult to say. I think this season so far, the race pace has not always been great," Verstappen told GPblog.

• He expressed hope for Sunday but acknowledged the difficulty in maintaining his position, stating, "to stay here will be tough."

The big picture

Red Bull's RB21 has struggled with race pace throughout the 2025 season, making McLaren a dominant force on Sundays. Verstappen's caution highlights the gap between his qualifying performance and race-day potential.

What's next

Verstappen aims to convert pole into victory despite the race pace concerns, emphasizing, "It's still a long race, and a lot can happen." He will be fighting from the front once again, hoping to stay there.