What the teams said – Qualifying in Italy

Pierre Gasly secured a sensational maiden pole position for Alpine at the Italian Grand Prix, leading an unpredictable Qualifying session at Monza. Gasly edged out George Russell by just 0.060s, while Oscar Piastri qualified third before a grid penalty. The session was defined by tactical use of slipstreams and chaotic traffic management, leaving several frontrunners frustrated. Mercedes showcased strong pace with Russell, though he lamented a messy final lap involving traffic. McLaren's Lando Norris struggled to secure a tow, resulting in a ninth-place finish, while Red Bull’s Max Verstappen battled mechanical issues, leaving him sixth. Ferrari’s drivers, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, qualified fourth and fifth respectively, narrowly scraping through earlier segments. Looking ahead to the race, teams are preparing for a strategic battle centered on one-stop strategies and tire management. With grid penalties shifting the field, particularly impacting Liam Lawson, Kimi Antonelli, and the Williams drivers, the race remains wide open for those able to navigate the unique demands of the 'Temple of Speed'.