Sat Sep 06 15:50:00 UTC 2025: **Verstappen Shatters Monza Record, Clinches Pole Position at Italian Grand Prix**
**Monza, Italy – September 7th** – Max Verstappen secured pole position for Sunday’s Italian Grand Prix in dominant fashion, setting a new all-time Formula 1 lap record at the historic Monza circuit. His blistering lap surpassed the previous record set by Lewis Hamilton in 2020, a feat also achieved by McLaren’s Lando Norris during qualifying.
Verstappen’s lap time of 1:18.792, averaging 164.466 mph, eclipsed Hamilton’s 2020 mark of 164.286 mph. Norris also beat Hamilton with a lap time of 1:18.869. Several factors contributed to the record-breaking performance, including the current cars’ reduced drag, Monza’s high-speed nature, and the track’s resurfacing with higher-grip asphalt.
“Honestly, I didn’t even think about that when I crossed the line, but it’s nice,” Verstappen said after qualifying. “It didn’t feel too bad.”
Beyond setting the overall record, Verstappen’s 45th career pole position also marks a new record for Red Bull Racing, surpassing Sebastian Vettel’s previous team benchmark.
While Verstappen acknowledges the McLaren’s strength, particularly on its tires, he remains optimistic about his chances in Sunday’s race. McLaren team principal Andrea Stella anticipates a closely contested race due to the high-grip track surface, which may minimize McLaren’s usual advantage.
The Italian Grand Prix starts at 14:00 BST on Sunday.
First Piper 