Can Formula 1’s Four-Time Champion Defend His Pole Position at Monza?
In a surprise upset at the Italian Grand Prix Qualifiers, Red Bull’s Champion driver Max Verstappen managed to beat out the McLarens not just for pole position, but also a new lap record on the Monza circuit. The lead had alternated several times over the free practices, with Ferrari taking center stage at free practice one, with Lewis Hamilton setting the pace for a Ferrari one-two. The weekend continued as expected, with McLaren’s Lando Norris taking the fastest laps in free practice two and free practice three in his highly regarded MCL39. The surprise came in qualifying as Verstappen battled Norris for the fastest time, eventually landing a blistering 1:18.792-second lap, beating Norris by only 0.077 seconds.
In a post-qualifying interview, Verstappen claimed that many factors led to his record-breaking lap, citing the quality of the road itself as well as improvements to the car. As he joked about being able to go faster if he were in the 2020 Mercedes car, questions arose about the Sunday race. Verstappen is well known to be among the fastest drivers on the grid, but the same cannot be said about the car he drives. Red Bull Racing has struggled to make a car that can match the pace of the other top-of-the-grid teams, especially when compared to McLaren’s MCL39. Behind Verstappen, in second and third positions respectively, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri will be preparing for a quick overtake in the early laps. As Monza is a notoriously difficult circuit for overtaking, if McLaren can take the lead, it’ll put the papaya duo in a much better position to defend against Verstappen in what has historically been the weaker car.
That said, Verstappen has always put on a strong defense from pole position. At the Japanese Grand Prix earlier this season, Verstappen was able to run away with the victory after starting in pole, but he has yet to repeat that victory in the races since. In Monza, more so than in many other circuits, the pole position will give him a significant advantage that could be what he needs to secure another win. With Norris eager to make up for lost points after his DNF in the Netherlands, he’ll want to put distance between his rival and teammate Piastri, and will likely be looking to use Verstappen as a buffer. Given the strength of the McLaren racecraft and Norris himself, an overtake in the early laps is almost assured. Verstappen is keenly aware that this is his best shot at a victory in a long time, so he’ll be watching his mirrors to keep the McLarens in his wake.
