Lando Norris Refutes Claims of ‘Max Verstappen Surprise’ After Dutchman’s Shock Pole at Italian GP

Lando Norris reckoned that Max Verstappen and Red Bull had shown decent pace throughout the Italian GP weekend.

Lando Norris Refutes Claims of ‘Max Verstappen Surprise’ After Dutchman’s Shock Pole at Italian GP

Lando Norris and Max Verstappen (via IMAGO)

🔍 Explore this post with:

ChatGPTPerplexityGrok AIGoogle AI

Qualifying at the Italian GP shocked F1 fans. Reigning world champion Max Verstappen pulled off a stellar lap in the final session to clinch pole position from the two McLarens at the front. However, Lando Norris insists that the Woking-based squad did see it coming.

Max Verstappen has been far behind Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri this season. The Red Bull RB21 is simply no match for the Woking-based team. Ahead of the Monza weekend, Verstappen even downplayed his chances, stating that the team was not bringing a special wing for the track.

Yet, everything seemed to be in order for the four-time world champion. Max Verstappen clinched pole after holding provisional pole after his first run.

Lando Norris asserted that Verstappen and Red Bull had shown decent pace since the start of Friday. The Briton then focused on his own runs, claiming that it was more of a rollercoaster of a session as he made his way to P2. For Norris, this is not a bad result considering that he will start ahead of his championship rival and teammate Oscar Piastri.

No, no, Max had been quick all weekend. It was quite a session from me, up and down so to pull it out on the last lap is a good feeling. P2 is not a bad position to be off the line.

Lando Norris said post-qualifying

Lando Norris admits facing Max Verstappen won’t be easy at Italian GP

Max Verstappen is known to be a hard racer who is never afraid of throwing his elbows out on-track. Verstappen and Norris do have a history when it comes to skirmishes after multiple racing incidents last year. On paper, Lando Norris should have a faster car in the race, but he knows that there won’t be any smooth sailing.

Lando Norris and Max Verstappen (via Red Bull)
Lando Norris and Max Verstappen (via Red Bull)

Lando Norris reckoned that P2 gives him a good position for the start on Sunday. The 25-year-old recognized that McLaren usually has an even better car for long runs. However, Norris asserted that getting past Max Verstappen on Turn 1 would undoubtedly be a serious challenge.

A good position for tomorrow and excited for the race. Our race on Sunday is normally our strength but to get past Max will be a big challenge.

Lando Norris added

Lando Norris needs a win this weekend. After a DNF at the Dutch GP, he needs to reduce the points gap to Oscar Piastri. This will not be possible unless Norris manages to make his way past Verstappen on Turn 1 during the race. Thus, fans should not be surprised to see a chaotic first lap at Monza.

Read More: “I’ll Respect That,” Lando Norris Prepared to Lose Title Against Oscar Piastri