Max Verstappen Clinches Pole in Eventful 2025 Italian GP Qualifying

Max Verstappen seized pole for the 2025 Italian Grand Prix, yet Monza qualifying also featured impressive drives and significant disappointments. Here’s a summary of the winners and losers.

Winners

• Max Verstappen (1st): Took pole with a spectacular solo lap; his ultra-trimmed wing setup yielded a Q3 time faster than his slipstream-assisted attempt.
• Lando Norris (2nd): Showed immense grit for 2nd, overcoming a messy Q2 and cautious first Q3 lap to position himself ahead of his main title rival.
• Gabriel Bortoleto (7th): Achieved his fourth top-10 start in six races, solidifying his role as Sauber's fastest driver by outperforming Nico Hulkenberg.
• Fernando Alonso (8th): Surprising Q3 appearance for Aston Martin, a team usually challenged by Monza’s low-downforce demands, highlighting his exceptional driving.
• Franco Colapinto (18th): A "good" 18th, showing significant improvement in one-lap pace after missing FP1 and legitimately outqualifying Pierre Gasly.

Losers

• Racing Bulls (16th & 20th): Suffered a disappointing double Q1 elimination, a setback after Isack Hadjar's recent podium, with traffic and pacing issues plaguing both drivers.
• Ferrari (4th & 10th after penalty): Failed to deliver home heroics despite decent practice pace, overshadowed by Verstappen; Charles Leclerc fourth, Lewis Hamilton 10th due to penalty.
• Williams (13th & 14th): Promising practice pace wasn't converted to a top-10 grid, highlighting persistent tire preparation and out-lap management issues for Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz.
• Nico Hulkenberg (12th): Still hasn't reached Q3 this season and is increasingly outshone by rookie teammate Bortoleto, raising concerns about his performance.