Pierre Gasly Takes Historic Pole Position for Italian Grand Prix at Monza
- Pierre Gasly secured the pole position for the Italian Grand Prix, driving his Alpine car to the fastest time in qualifying at the Autodromo Nazionale di Monza.
- The performance marks a dramatic turnaround for the Alpine team, which struggled for pace prior to the summer break before showing signs of recovery in the Netherlands.
- C’est un sentiment incroyable, je suis extrêmement content,”
Pierre Gasly secured the pole position for the Italian Grand Prix, driving his Alpine car to the fastest time in qualifying at the Autodromo Nazionale di Monza. According to Agence France-Presse (AFP), the French driver posted a lap time of 1:21.786 on the historic Italian circuit, marking the first time a French driver has taken pole position in Formula 1 since Jean Alesi accomplished the feat at the same track in 1997.
Gasly edged out Mercedes driver George Russell and McLaren driver Oscar Piastri, who claimed second and third spots respectively. According to 20min.ch, the Alpine driver benefited from a strategic tow provided by his Argentine teammate Franco Colapinto during the session. Gasly capitalized on the slipstream to outpace the pre-qualifying favorites.
A Historic Return to Monza for Alpine
The performance marks a dramatic turnaround for the Alpine team, which struggled for pace prior to the summer break before showing signs of recovery in the Netherlands. Gasly noted the strong feeling he had in the car from the opening practice and elimination rounds.
“Ça fait neuf ans que j’essayais d’obtenir la pole. C’est un sentiment incroyable, je suis extrêmement content,”
Pierre Gasly, quoted by Agence France-Presse (AFP)
The French driver maintains a personal connection to the Italian venue, having secured his maiden Formula 1 career victory at Monza in 2020. Living in nearby Milan, Gasly pointed to the venue’s unique significance in his career trajectory.
Grid Standings and Penalties at the Temple of Speed
Behind the leading trio, Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton qualified in fourth and fifth positions in front of local supporters. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen secured the sixth spot on the starting grid for Sunday’s race.
Championship leader Kimi Antonelli recorded the seventh-fastest time during the qualifying hour. However, the Italian driver will drop ten places on the starting grid due to a pre-race engine change penalty. Liam Lawson filled in for the injured Isack Hadjar at Red Bull and managed the 14th position, while Esteban Ocon of Haas placed 16th.
