Carlos Sainz thrilled fans by claiming pole position for the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, with Max Verstappen in second place as he aims for a record-breaking tenth consecutive victory on Sunday.
Sainz, driving for the Ferrari team, secured his first ever Formula One pole position with a stunning performance during Saturday’s qualifying session. The Spanish driver clocked a time of 1:19.837, beating Verstappen’s Red Bull by just 0.392 seconds.
The result marks a significant milestone for Sainz, who joined Ferrari this season after leaving McLaren. It also highlights the progress made by the Italian team, which struggled in recent years but has shown signs of improvement in 2021.
Verstappen, the current championship leader, had to settle for second place but remains determined to extend his winning streak. If he triumphs on Sunday, it would be his tenth consecutive victory, a feat achieved by only two other drivers in Formula One history.
The Dutch driver, who has been in exceptional form this season, will be eager to secure another win and increase his lead in the championship standings. Verstappen currently holds a comfortable advantage over his main rival, Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes.
Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, will start the race from fourth position after being outpaced by Valtteri Bottas in the other Mercedes. The British driver will be aiming to mount a comeback and close the gap to Verstappen in the title race.
Meanwhile, Lando Norris impressed once again, securing third place on the grid for McLaren. The young British driver has been consistently strong this season and will be looking to challenge for a podium finish in Sunday’s race.
Behind the leading teams, Pierre Gasly of AlphaTauri qualified in fifth place, followed by Charles Leclerc in the second Ferrari. Esteban Ocon, Antonio Giovinazzi, Daniel Ricciardo, and Sergio Perez completed the top ten.
The Italian Grand Prix promises to be an exciting race, with Sainz aiming to convert his pole position into a maiden victory for Ferrari. Verstappen, on the other hand, will be determined to make history with his tenth consecutive win and further solidify his position at the top of the championship standings.
The iconic Monza circuit, known for its high-speed straights and challenging corners, is expected to provide plenty of overtaking opportunities and thrilling on-track battles. Fans can look forward to an action-packed race as the drivers push their limits in pursuit of glory.
