Italian Grand Prix Qualifying: Carlos Sainz snatches pole position from Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc

By By Nigel Chiu at Monza

Last Updated: 02/09/23 4:13pm

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Carlos Sainz pipped Max Verstappen to pole position in a dramatic qualifying session at the Italian Grand Prix.

The Spaniard was fastest after the first Q3 runs, but Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc and Red Bull’s Verstappen went quicker, only for Sainz to steal it right at the end by 0.013s. Leclerc, who has been slightly behind Sainz all weekend at Monza, was just another 0.054s behind.

Both Ferrari drivers were under investigation for failing to follow the race director’s rules regarding the maximum lap time limit, but the incident was not investigated further.

Mercedes struggled throughout qualifying due to the characteristics of Monza, which favours strong straight-line speed and traction, but George Russell took fourth, ahead of Sergio Perez and Alex Albon.

Italian GP Qualifying result

1) Carlos Sainz, Ferrari2) Max Verstappen, Red Bull3) Charles Leclerc, Ferrari4) George Russell, Mercedes5) Sergio Perez, Red Bull6) Alex Albon, Williams7) Oscar Piastri, McLaren8) Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes9) Lando Norris, McLaren10) Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin

More to follow…

Sky Sports F1’s live Italian GP schedule

Sunday 3 September7.10am: F3 Feature Race8.15am: F2 Feature Race12.30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: Italian GP build-up2pm: THE ITALIAN GRAND PRIX4pm: Chequered Flag: Italian GP reaction5pm: Ted’s Notebook

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