- Pierre Gasly delivered a major shock by securing the first pole position of his Formula One career for Alpine ahead of the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, edging out George Russell by just 0.060 seconds.
- The Frenchman's surprise triumph arrived just a day after Alpine boss Flavio Briatore accused an FIA judge of a conflict of interest following McLaren's successful appeal that stripped Gasly of his Monaco Grand Prix podium.
- Title contender George Russell settled for second spot on the grid, with McLaren's Oscar Piastri third, while Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton qualified fourth and fifth respectively.
- Championship leader Kimi Antonelli managed seventh in qualifying but will be forced to start his home race from the back of the grid after incurring an engine penalty, handing team-mate Russell a key chance to narrow the 59-point gap.
- Red Bull endured a frustrating session as Max Verstappen finished sixth after describing his car as broken and undriveable, whilst world champion Lando Norris qualified ninth and Fernando Alonso ended up 21st.
IN FULL
Pierre Gasly stuns F1 giants to claim brilliant first-ever pole position at Italian Grand Prix
