Verstappen takes pole for Italian GP ahead of title contenders Norris and Piastri

By Canadian Press on September 6, 2025.

MONZA, Italy (AP) — Max Verstappen took pole position for the Italian Grand Prix ahead of title contenders Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri on Saturday.

Verstappen set the pace in the final part of qualifying for Sunday’s race and Norris couldn’t quite match it, ending up .077 of a second behind the Red Bull driver, with Piastri 0.190 slower than Verstappen.

“Yes guys, yes. That is unbelievable,” Verstappen yelled over the team radio. “Relax here, it is all good!”

Charles Leclerc qualified in fourth for Ferrari at the Italian Scuderia’s home race, just ahead of teammate Lewis Hamilton, who will start Sunday’s race in 10th as he serves a five-place grid penalty.

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AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing

Daniella Matar, The Associated Press