In a stunning qualifying session at Ferrari's home race, Alpine driver Pierre Gasly sensationally claimed pole position for the Italian Grand Prix, beating both Mercedes and McLaren to the top spot.

Gasly produced a remarkable lap to put the French team at the front of the grid, with George Russell taking second for Mercedes and Oscar Piastri securing third for McLaren. The two Ferrari cars followed, with Charles Leclerc fourth and Lewis Hamilton fifth, while reigning world champion Max Verstappen qualified sixth for Red Bull.

The session was one of the closest seen in Formula 1, with just 0.3 seconds separating pole-sitter Gasly from seventh place. The incredibly tight margins promise a fascinating battle when the lights go out at Monza.

Championship leader Andrea Kimi Antonelli qualified seventh for Mercedes, but his starting position will be dramatically different on race day. Following an engine change, Antonelli will start the Italian Grand Prix from the back of the grid.

Italian Grand Prix – Qualifying: Top 10

1. Pierre Gasly (Alpine) – 1:21.786
2. George Russell (Mercedes) +0.060
3. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) +0.180
4. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) +0.218
5. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) +0.225
6. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) +0.284
7. Andrea Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) +0.307
8. Franco Colapinto (Alpine) +0.434
9. Lando Norris (McLaren) +0.470
10. Arvid Lindblad (RB) +0.500