The McLaren driver duo dominates qualifying for the Italian Grand Prix. Lando Norris secures pole position ahead of Oscar Piastri. Max Verstappen is one of the losers.
31.08.2024, 17:38
31.08.2024, 17:41
SDA
The battle for the best starting position for the Formula 1 classic on the high-speed circuit in Monza was a close one. The gap between Norris and Lewis Hamilton in 6th place was less than two tenths of a second.
Norris won the team-internal duel against Piastri by a tenth of a second. This is the fourth time this season that the Briton has started a Formula 1 race from the front and the fifth time overall. He and his Australian team-mate showed once again that the current McLaren car is a vehicle for all tracks and all conditions.
Verstappen was unable to keep up with the fastest drivers. The three-time world champion and world championship leader was almost seven tenths slower than Norris on his best lap in the decisive phase, leaving the Dutchman with only seventh place on the grid. The consequences of the changes made to the blue car during the race, which were almost without exception made in the wrong direction, were ruthlessly revealed in the Royal Park.
The Sauber team continues to compete. At the Zurich-based racing team, they have the next disillusionment to digest. The Finn Valtteri Bottas and the Chinese driver Zhou Guanyu will have to start the Italian Grand Prix from the very back of the grid.
