Sainz pips record-chasing Verstappen to pole position at Italian GP on good day for Ferrari

Carlos Sainz emerged as the frontrunner during an impeccable birthday weekend, securing the pole position for the Italian Grand Prix to the jubilation of the devoted Ferrari tifosi on Saturday.

Amidst a sea of fervent red-clad Ferrari enthusiasts, Sainz, who celebrated his 29th birthday on Friday, expertly navigated the track, crossing the finish line a mere 0.013 seconds ahead of the dominant Formula One leader, Max Verstappen. The latter, vying for an impressive 10th consecutive victory, couldn’t quite match Sainz’s prowess on this occasion.

With exuberance resonating in his voice, Sainz enthusiastically exclaimed over the race radio, “Tell me we have it, tell me we have it.”

This accomplishment marked Sainz’s fourth career pole position and his first since his victory in Austin the previous year. Demonstrating his speed and finesse, he managed to secure the fastest times in two out of the three practice sessions, a testament to Ferrari’s strong performance on their home circuit. Meanwhile, Sainz’s teammate, Charles Leclerc, is poised to commence from the third position on Sunday’s race grid, with George Russell of Mercedes closely trailing in fourth.

Although grid positions hold a slightly diminished significance at Monza compared to other tracks, this fact does not dampen the enthusiasm of the competitors. Since 2018, only Leclerc has effectively translated a pole position into a triumphant victory at the Italian Grand Prix.

In an unforeseen turn of events last year, Verstappen emerged victorious from the seventh position, securing his first win at the Temple of Speed, a circuit that had posed challenges for him in the past. Prior to his remarkable victory at Monza the previous year, the Dutch driver had never managed to clinch a placement higher than fifth.

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• Italian Grand Prix
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