Italian Grand Prix: Pierre Gasly beats George Russell to stunning Monza pole
Alpine driver Pierre Gasly secured a surprise pole position at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza. The session saw significant grid penalties for other drivers, including championship leader Kimi Antonelli and McLaren's Oscar Piastri.
Why it matters
This result marks a significant shift in the 2026 F1 championship narrative, highlighting the impact of grid penalties and tactical team maneuvers on race outcomes.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Pierre Gasly's only grand prix victory came at Monza in 2020
F1 Correspondent at Monza Published 5 September 2026 Alpine driver Pierre Gasly took a stunning pole position at the Italian Grand Prix.
The Frenchman, whose sole Formula 1 victory came at this race for Red Bull's junior team in 2020, beat Mercedes' George Russell by 0.060 seconds.
McLaren's Oscar Piastri was third but was later given a three-place grid penalty for impeding Liam Lawson in the Red Bull.
The Australian's penalty moves up the Ferraris of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, who originally qualified fourth and fifth, and Red Bull's Max Verstappen.
The other McLaren of Lando Norris was only ninth after a messy session for the world champion.
Championship leader Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes qualified seventh but will start at the back because of a grid penalty for taking a new engine.
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