Italian GP: What Does the Grid Look Like Following Intense Sprint Qualifying in Monza?

The second ever sprint qualifying in F1 took witnessed an enthralling 18-lap race in Monza today. While some drivers made big gains, some others suffered setbacks as the grid is now set for the Italian GP.

Although Valtteri Bottas won the 100km race, an engine penalty sees him move to the back of the grid. Hence, Red Bull’s resident Dutchman Max Verstappen will start tomorrow’s race in pole position.

Max Verstappen to start from pole in Italian GP despite second-place finish

At this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix, Mercedes fitted a fourth power unit in Valtteri Bottas‘ W12. Since the rules dictate drivers can use only three power units througout the season, Bottas will incur a penalty which sees him move to P20 on the grid.

This means Verstappen will start from pole position in the 14th race of this season. Behind him, his former Red Bull teammate Daniel Ricciardo, now with McLaren will start the race in second place. His teammate Lando Norris will start third after holding position brilliantly from Lewis Hamilton.

The defending world champion had a horrible start as both McLarens and Pierre Gasly overtook him before Turn 1. However, Gasly’s crash a few seconds later saw Hamilton finish fifth, with Bottas’ penalty promoting him to fourth for tomorrow’s race.

Ferrari, who are competing in their home race, will see Charles Leclerc start from fifth, with Carlos Sainz alongside him in sixth. Antonio Giovinazzi will start seventh to continue his impressive run, with Sergio Perez right behind him in P8. Lance Stroll will start on the fifth row, with Fernando Alonso rounding up the Top 10.

Gasly to start tomorrow’s race from 19th place

Gasly, who won last year’s race, will start the race alongside Bottas in the last row. Although he started the sprint race from P6, the Frenchman damaged his front wing, which sent him into the barriers at Turn 3.

Sebastian Vettel will start the race from P11 while Esteban Ocon starts alongside him in P12. Williams continued their resurgence as Nicholas Latifi will start P13, while his teammate George Russell starts P14.

Yuki Tsunoda had a run in with Robert Kubica on Lap 1. However, the Japanese recovered to confirm P5 as his starting position for tomorrow’s race. Nikita Mazepin gained the most positions in the sprint race, and will start P16. Meanwhile, Mick Schumacher will start tomorrow’s race from P18 alongside Kubica in P17.

READ MORE: Sprint F1 Qualifying Report: Hamilton Botches His F1 Start to Hand Verstappen Advantage at Monza