Charles Leclerc on pole position in the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, Max Verstappen demoted to 7th position

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Maybe Ferrari should ditch its signature red. In any case, the yellow suits designed especially to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Monza circuit have succeeded with Charles Leclerc. On the Italian track, where the Scuderia is always eagerly awaited by tens of thousands of fans, the Monegasque won pole position on Saturday September 10, after qualifying.

Already one of the fastest in free practice, Charles Leclerc confirmed his good disposition this Saturday, ahead of Max Verstappen by 0’145 seconds. In the lead at the end of Q2, Carlos Sainz set the third fastest time. It is however George Russel and Lando Norris who will accompany Charles Leclerc on the front of the grid, because of the penalties which hit half of the riders, including Verstappen and Sainz.

A total of nine drivers were penalized due to numerous penalties for changing engine parts or gearboxes beyond the limits authorized each season by the regulations. Lhe starting grid has therefore been completely shaken up. Despite the second best time, the reigning world champion was thus demoted by five places, while Carlos Sainz will start in 18th position.

Under the 40 degrees of Monza, and the eyes of 125,000 people, Ferrari secures pole position. Something to smile about, as for Mercedes, since thanks to the sanctions affecting the other drivers, George Russel (6th time) goes back to second place, just ahead of his compatriot Lando Norris (7th time). The first Frenchman, Pierre Gasly, will start in 5th position, Esteban Ocon from 14th.

Also note the good performance of Dutchman Nyck De Vries, who was competing in his first F1 qualifying with Williams. The young driver replaced at short notice Alex Albon, operated on for appendicitis, and completed qualifying in 13th place. But then again, thanks to the penalty game, he will make his first F1 start in the top 10.


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