‘The Rosberg Curse’ strikes again as Carlos Sainz steals the pole from Max Verstappen at Monza

Max Verstappen became the latest victim of the infamous 'Rosberg Curse.'

‘The Rosberg Curse’ strikes again as Carlos Sainz steals the pole from Max Verstappen at Monza

Nico Rosberg (image via IMAGO), Max Verstappen (image via IMAGO), Carlos Sainz (image via IMAGO)

Nico Rosberg has built an interesting reputation since retiring from Formula 1 in 2016. The German driver became a massive personality on YouTube and commented for Sky Sports F1. However, the former F1 champion has often jinxed the results of drivers on the grid. Reigning world champion Max Verstappen is the latest victim of the ‘Rosberg Curse.’

Rosberg claimed Verstappen was the favorite for taking pole at the Italian GP. He said, “Max Verstappen is the favorite (for pole position).” The German driver believed that the pace of the Red Bull RB-19 and the stunning performance of the two-time world champion would be enough to secure pole position. Unfortunately, this was not the case, as Max Verstappen lost out to Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz.

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Certainly, Verstappen might not be pleased by being the latest driver to face the infamous ‘Rosberg Curse.’ In the past, Nico Rosberg has hindered the results of several drivers, such as Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris. However, Carlos Sainz perhaps would thank the former F1 champion as the Spaniard took his first pole position this season at his team’s home race.

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Max Verstappen to start behind Carlos Sainz at Monza

Carlos Sainz, Italian GP Qualifying (Credits: @Autocarindiamag/Twitter)
Carlos Sainz, Italian GP Qualifying (Credits: @Autocarindiamag/Twitter)

The two-time world champion has had a dominant run this season. Verstappen has won nine races in a row, with the Dutchman looking to make history with a tenth consecutive victory. However, Carlos Sainz now stands in the way of the Red Bull driver. The Spanish driver did an incredible lap that saw him out-qualify the reigning world champion.

Although, it is believed that Red Bull has the upper hand in terms of race pace compared to Ferrari. As such, Max Verstappen will try to take the lead from Sainz at the race start at the iconic Italian circuit. However, Ferrari’s pole position has certainly energized the thousands of Tifosi at Monza to cheer for the Scuderia this year.

Thus, Nico Rosberg has once again hindered the results of an F1 driver. This time, it was Max Verstappen who faced the ‘Rosberg Curse.’ Although, the Dutch driver would be looking to focus on the race, with Red Bull undoubtedly enjoying an advantage in race pace. Fans would be looking forward to seeing how things pan out in Sunday’s race.

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