George Russell delivered a shock result in qualifying for the Italian Grand Prix 2025 at Monza. The Mercedes driver took pole with a blistering lap that left Lando Norris and Max Verstappen behind. The result sets the stage for a dramatic Sunday race at one of Formula 1’s most iconic circuits.
Russell had shown pace all weekend but few expected him to beat both McLaren and Red Bull in Q3. His flying lap came at the perfect time and secured Mercedes a vital front-row start. Fans at Monza watched in disbelief as Russell crossed the line ahead of the title contenders.
Full F1 Qualifying Results at Monza
The qualifying drama began in Q1 when several big names were knocked out early. Racing Bulls and Alpine suffered double eliminations, with Liam Lawson, Isack Hadjar, Franco Colapinto and Pierre Gasly all missing the cut. Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll also fell short and will start near the back.
Russell set the pace in Q1 and carried that form through the sessions. Verstappen followed closely in second, while Norris finished third in the opening stage. Ferrari, who impressed in Friday’s practice sessions, could not repeat that form under the pressure of qualifying. According to Reuters, a red flag disrupted Oscar Piastri’s run and left him unable to progress.
The final shootout in Q3 saw the top 10 drivers battle for pole. Russell’s lap was clean and aggressive, especially through the Lesmo corners and Parabolica. Verstappen pushed hard but could not find the final tenths. Norris, despite strong pace in practice, also fell short of Russell’s time. The Mercedes driver sealed pole by a narrow margin but enough to surprise the paddock.
What It Means for the Italian Grand Prix 2025
Russell’s pole is a major win for Mercedes in a season dominated by McLaren and Red Bull. It gives the team hope of challenging for victory at Monza, a circuit known for speed and strategy. McLaren will rely on Norris to fight back on race day, while Red Bull’s Verstappen remains a constant threat from the second row.
Ferrari’s home crowd left the track with mixed feelings. Early promise faded, and neither Leclerc nor Hamilton could deliver a front-row result. The tifosi will hope strategy and race pace bring them back into the fight on Sunday.
Russell’s stunning performance has also added fresh excitement to the championship picture. With points at stake, Sunday’s Italian Grand Prix could be one of the season’s most crucial races.
F1 qualifying results today confirmed George Russell as the star of Monza. His pole position sets up a thrilling Italian GP 2025, with Norris and Verstappen chasing from behind.
Info at your fingertips-
Q1: Who took pole in F1 qualifying today?
George Russell secured pole at Monza for the Italian Grand Prix 2025 with a stunning Q3 lap.
Q2: How did McLaren perform in qualifying?
Lando Norris was fast in practice but finished behind Russell in Q3. Oscar Piastri was ruled out after a red flag incident.
Q3: What were the Q1 eliminations?
Liam Lawson, Isack Hadjar, Franco Colapinto, Pierre Gasly, and Lance Stroll all went out in Q1.
Q4: How does F1 qualifying work at Monza?
Qualifying has three rounds. Five are eliminated in Q1, five more in Q2, and the top 10 fight for pole in Q3.
Q5: What does Russell’s pole mean for Mercedes?
It gives Mercedes a rare boost in 2025. The team now has a real chance of victory at Monza.
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