Surprise Pole: Norris Shines at Italian GP, Verstappen Settles for Seventh.

Auto Racing General

Surprise Pole: Norris Shines at Italian GP, Verstappen Settles for Seventh.

Lando Norris secured pole position, leading a McLaren one-two with Oscar Piastri in second during Italian Grand Prix qualifying. Max Verstappen, the title contender, placed seventh in his Red Bull.

Norris claimed his second consecutive pole and fifth of his career, giving him a crucial boost in his quest to close the 70-point gap to Verstappen in the championship. 

George Russell secured third for Mercedes, followed by Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, with Lewis Hamilton in sixth.

Red Bull's strategy to have Sergio Perez assist Verstappen with a tow failed, leaving Verstappen in seventh and Perez behind him. 

The McLarens, Ferraris, and Mercedes were out of reach, as Red Bull struggled again, risking their lead in the constructors' title race.