Gasly Claims Shock Pole At Monza

Overview

• Pierre Gasly took pole position at Monza on Saturday with a late Q3 lap aided by team mate Franco Colapinto, becoming the first French pole-sitter since 1997.
• Kimi Antonelli will start from the back of the grid after taking a new power unit, a penalty that comes despite his 59-point lead in the drivers’ standings.
• The FIA’s rule capping energy recovery at 5 megajoules per lap is reducing peak straight-line speeds and forcing drivers to lift or coast to recharge batteries, which changes overtaking and setup choices.
• Isack Hadjar remains sidelined with a wrist injury and Liam Lawson again fills the second Red Bull seat for the weekend.
• Teams must now plan tyre and energy management for Sunday’s 53-lap race at 15:00 local time on Canal+ under hot conditions that will further stress tyre wear and battery recharge opportunities.