Lando Norris’ world championship bid was controversially kept alive by his McLaren team, despite a poor pit-stop threatening to deal the British driver another title blow.
Norris had been on course to finish as runner-up to runaway winner Max Verstappen until he dropped behind title rival Oscar Piastri following a slow change of tyres with seven laps remaining.
However, Piastri was ordered by McLaren to move aside for team-mate Norris, which the Australian did on the 49th lap of 53 at Monza’s Temple of Speed.
Charles Leclerc took fourth for Ferrari, one place ahead of Mercedes’ George Russell. Lewis Hamilton made up four places from 10th – after he served a five-place grid penalty – to finish sixth.
F1 ITALIAN GRAND PRIX - LATEST UPDATES
- Max Verstappen wins the Italian GP; Norris 2nd; Piastri 3rd
- Click HERE for the top-10 in Monza
- SWAP! McLaren tell Piastri to give second back to Norris
- PASS! Verstappen takes back first place with stunning move
- START! Verstappen forced to give first place to Norris
- READ: Meet the luckless F2 champions unable to land an F1 seat
FULL RACE STANDINGS
20:00 , Kieran Jackson1. Max Verstappen
2. Lando Norris
3. Oscar Piastri
4. Charles Leclerc
5. George Russell
6. Lewis Hamilton
7. Alex Albon
8. Gabriel Bortoleto
9. Kimi Antonelli
10. Isack Hadjar
11. Carlos Sainz
12. Ollie Bearman
13. Yuki Tsunoda
14. Liam Lawson
15. Esteban Ocon
16. Pierre Gasly
17. Franco Colapinto
18. Lance Stroll
Retired. Fernando Alonso
Retired. Nico Hulkenberg
REPORT: Oscar Piastri follows contentious McLaren order as Max Verstappen wins in Monza
19:00 , Kieran JacksonLando Norris’ world championship bid was controversially kept alive by his McLaren team, despite a poor pit-stop threatening to deal the British driver another title blow.
Norris had been on course to finish as runner-up to runaway winner Max Verstappen until he dropped behind title rival Oscar Piastri following a slow change of tyres with seven laps remaining.
However, Piastri was ordered by McLaren to move aside for team-mate Norris, which the Australian did on the 49th lap of 53 at Monza’s Temple of Speed. Piastri was bitterly disappointed with the decision, saying on the radio: “We said that a slow pit stop was part of racing so I don’t really get what changed here but I will do it.”
Full report below:
Oscar Piastri follows contentious McLaren order as Max Verstappen wins in Monza
Lewis Hamilton, who finished sixth:
18:00 , Kieran Jackson“I was really happy with it, a really good launch, I was happy with the position I had. I got close to George, in hindsight, we should have tried to undercut him at that point. We'll learn from that.
“After the penalty, to be able to do a solid drive, in front of the tifosi, it's unbelievable. I don't deserve to be on the podium today, so I won't, but I'll go out to the wall and see them.”
On whether a podium is possible this year: “I don't think so, Charles was giving it everything, Max is up there now, we don't have the pace of Red Bull, today they were rapid, or McLaren, currently we're fourth, a podium here or there, there's a chance to have that at some point, but in terms of pure pace, we don't have that.”
Constructor Standings after Monza:
17:15 , Kieran Jackson1. McLaren - 617 points
2. Ferrari - 280 points
3. Mercedes - 260 points
4. Red Bull - 239 points
5. Williams - 86 points
6. Aston Martin - 62 points
7. Racing Bulls - 61 points
8. Sauber - 55 points
9. Haas - 44 points
10. Alpine - 20 points
Charles Leclerc, who finished fourth:
16:40 , Kieran Jackson“It was a nice battle, they just had more pace. I lost the rear multiple times, I couldn’t hope for much better. I tried, unfortunately the pace of the car was not what we expected.”
Driver Standings after Italian GP:
16:30 , Kieran Jackson1. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – 324 points
2. Lando Norris (McLaren) – 293 points
3. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – 230 points
4. George Russell (Mercedes) – 194 points
5. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – 163 points
6. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) – 117 points
7. Alex Albon (Williams) – 70 points
8. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) – 66 points
9. Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls) – 38 points
10. Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber) - 37 points
11. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) – 32 points
12. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) – 30 points
13. Esteban Ocon (Haas) – 28 points
14. Pierre Gasly (Alpine) – 20 points
15. Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) – 20 points
16. Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber) – 18 points
17. Ollie Bearman (Haas) – 16 points
18. Carlos Sainz (Williams) – 16 points
19. Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull) – 12 points
20. Franco Colapinto (Alpine) – 0 points
21. Jack Doohan (Alpine) – 0 points
Max Verstappen after his third win of the season:
15:59 , Kieran Jackson“A great day for us, we were flying! We pitted at the right time, we could push more, fantastic execution from the whole team. Super enjoyable to win here.
“For us, an unbelievable weekend.”
Lando Norris, after finishing second:
15:52 , Kieran Jackson“I always know it will be a good fight with Max, but didn’t have the speed today. First weekend where we’re a bit slow, but I still really enjoyed it.
On pit-stop: “No idea. I was there for quite a long time, we make mistakes as a team, today was one of them.”
On championship: “I did everything I could, couldn’t do a lot more. Max deserved it, second was our best result, just keep doing what I’m doing.”
Gap to Piastri is now 31 points...
Oscar Piastri, after finishing third:
15:43 , Kieran Jackson“Difficult beginning, not my best first couple of laps. It was pretty lonely from there, struggled a little bit. Car wasn’t exactly how I liked. Happy with the points, I’ll take it.
On the swap: “We went so long, the softs seemed good to put on. We stayed out for safety cars. Yeah... little inchident at the end but that’s OK.
“All in all, a lot of things to learn from this weekend.”
Podium!
15:37 , Kieran JacksonSpectacular scenes in Monza, with hundreds of fans on the main straight, as Verstappen takes to the top-step of the podium!
His second win in Italy this year!
TOP-10 IN MONZA
15:31 , Kieran Jackson1. Max Verstappen
2. Lando Norris
3. Oscar Piastri
4. Charles Leclerc
5. George Russell
6. Lewis Hamilton
7. Alex Albon
8. Gabriel Bortoleto
9. Kimi Antonelli
10. Isack Hadjar
Max Verstappen after finishing first on team radio:
15:25 , Kieran Jackson“Yes! That was unbelievable guys, well done everyone, we secured that really well.
“What an unbelievable weekend.”
A first grand prix win for Laurent Mekies as Red Bull team principal...
Verstappen's win!
15:22 , Kieran JacksonFastest Formula One race ever!
With Max Verstappen’s winning time, that beats Michael Schumacher’s 2003 Monza record for the quickest grand prix in terms of average speed!
Max Verstappen wins the Italian Grand Prix!
15:19 , Kieran JacksonA supreme drive from the Red Bull driver! In complete control after his early overtake on Lando Norris! He wins in Monza!
Norris takes second after that late McLaren swap, with Oscar Piastri in third.
4-10: Leclerc, Russell, Hamilton, Albon, Bortoleto, Antonelli, Hadjar
Verstappen amused at McLaren swap (Lap 52/53)
15:17 , Kieran JacksonPretty funny radio exchange between Verstappen and his engineer Gianpiero Lambiase.
Verstappen: “Ha, they swapped just because of a slow pit-stop?!”
Piastri within DRS of Norris (Lap 50/53)
15:14 , Kieran JacksonThis is big then, three points at play in the title race!
Piastri is 0.8 seconds behind Norris.
Meanwhile, Verstappen an astonishing 19 seconds clear in front!
4-10: Leclerc, Russell, Hamilton, Ocon, Albon, Antonelli, Bortoleto
Norris takes back second (Lap 49/53)
15:12 , Kieran JacksonMcLaren have made their call - and have told Piastri to let Norris by!
Engineer: “Let him by and then you are free to race.”
Piastri: “We said a slow pit-stop is part of racing. If you really want me to do it, we’ll do it.”
And he does!
But now they can race....
Lando Norris pits (Lap 47/53)
15:09 , Kieran JacksonOh no!
Norris’ stop was 5.9 seconds - and Piastri is ahead of his teammate!
Wow! Will McLaren tell them to switch?!
Verstappen takes the lead...
Oscar Piastri pits (Lap 46/53)
15:07 , Kieran JacksonStunningly quick stop - 1.9 seconds - as the second-placed Piastri dives in.
Norris stays out, but is now set to come in...
Verstappen poised to take the lead once again.
McLaren strategy questions (Lap 45/53)
15:07 , Kieran JacksonNorris and Piastri are continuing on, with the medium tyre holding up. The gap between Norris and Piastri is three seconds.
Are they just holding out for a red flag?
Hamilton up to sixth (Lap 42/53)
15:04 , Kieran JacksonThe Ferrari driver comfortably passes Stroll, and then a lap later Ocon, at the first chicane.
Hamilton now trails Russell by 6.9 seconds.
Piastri, meanwhile, is closing in on Norris - the gap is four seconds.
And Verstappen is 12 seconds behind, with Norris still to pit. Red Bull in control.
Sainz-Bearman incident (Lap 41/53)
15:02 , Kieran Jackson“He just turned in front of me like I wasn’t there.”
Racing incident, me thinks. If one way, I’d say Sainz’s fault..
Sainz and Bearman collide! (Lap 41/53)
15:01 , Kieran JacksonThat looked inevitable!
Both spin at the second chicane after contact, but both are able to continue.
A shame for McLaren: no safety car....
Norris stays out (Lap 40/53)
15:00 , Kieran JacksonInteresting. McLaren not responding yet, with Norris holding a 19-second lead over Verstappen.
Pit-stop overall total is around 25 seconds.
Hamilton, meanwhile, stops and comes out in ninth. “Great stop guys,” he says.
He’s got Stroll and Ocon to pass ahead of him...
Max Verstappen pits! (Lap 38/53)
14:56 , Kieran JacksonRed Bull blink first!
A quick stop from Red Bull and the Dutchman has the hard tyre on.
Verstappen drops from first to third.
When will McLaren pit?
What tyre will Norris put on? (Lap 37/53)
14:56 , Kieran JacksonEngineer: “Thoughts on the soft tyre?
Norris: “Yep well, opposite of the car ahead.”
TOP-10 WITH 15 LAPS TO GO
14:54 , Kieran Jackson1. Max Verstappen
2. Lando Norris
3. Oscar Piastri
4. Lewis Hamilton
5. Alex Albon
6. Charles Leclerc
7. George Russell
8. Esteban Ocon
9. Lance Stroll
10. Pierre Gasly
Charles Leclerc pits (Lap 34/53)
14:51 , Kieran JacksonLeclerc puts on the hards and drops from fourth to sixth.
Will Russell follow suit? And what about the top-three?
Verstappen's tyre is blistering (Lap 31/53)
14:48 , Kieran JacksonInteresting development.
While Verstappen’s times have not dropped, his front-right tyre is badly blistered - will his mediums hold up?
The top-four remain pit-less. Feels like they may all simply switch to softs at the end...
Verstappen’s lead now six seconds to Norris, who also has a six-second margin to Piastri.
Russell pits (Lap 28/53)
14:43 , Kieran JacksonThe first frontrunner to pit is Russell from fifth.
2.9-second stop from Mercedes, and Russell drops to 12th.
Meanwhile, McLaren may well persevere with a soft tyre at the end, given the mediums are holding out.
Fernando Alonso retires!
14:40 , Kieran JacksonOh no!
The Spanish veteran’s Aston Martin has a suspension failure. He makes his way to the pits, but he’s done and dusted.
“Unbelievable.”
TOP-10 AFTER 25 LAPS
14:38 , Kieran Jackson1. Max Verstappen
2. Lando Norris
3. Oscar Piastri
4. Charles Leclerc
5. George Russell
6. Lewis Hamilton
7. Kimi Antonelli
8. Carlos Sainz
9. Alex Albon
10. Esteban Ocon
Pit stops phase underway (Lap 20/53)
14:34 , Kieran JacksonOllie Bearman, in 11th, pits, which forces Yuki Tsunoda in - but the Haas makes a move stick on track.
Alonso and Bortoleto have also dived in. When will the frontrunners?
Verstappen’s gap now an astonishing 5.5 seconds!
Norris concerned about left tyre (Lap 17/53)
14:28 , Kieran JacksonNorris says his front-left is graining, impacting his speed.
Verstappen, meanwhile, in cruise control. The gap is now 4.5 seconds.
Are we back in 2023 here?!
Lando Norris labels Max Verstappen an ‘idiot’ over controversial move at Italian Grand Prix
14:27 , Kieran JacksonLando Norris was left angry at Max Verstappen after a lively start to the Italian Grand Prix with the McLaren driver labelling the Red Bull star an “idiot”.
With tensions high as the Briton battles teammate Oscar Piastri for the F1 title, Norris looked to seize control of the Grand Prix with Verstappen in pole position.
Norris labels Verstappen an ‘idiot’ over move at Italian Grand Prix
Verstappen's lead builds (Lap 14/53)
14:24 , Kieran JacksonImpressive straight-line speed from the Red Bull, with Verstappen continuing to lap quicker from Norris - the gap is now four seconds!
Piastri, in third, is 5.6 seconds behind - while Russell has DRS on Leclerc in fourth but can’t get past!
When will we get our first pit-stops?
TOP-10 AFTER 10 LAPS
14:18 , Kieran Jackson1. Max Verstappen
2. Lando Norris
3. Oscar Piastri
4. Charles Leclerc
5. George Russell
6. Lewis Hamilton
7. Gabriel Bortoleto
8. Fernando Alonso
9. Yuki Tsunoda
10. Kimi Antonelli
Verstappen extends lead (Lap 9/53)
14:17 , Kieran JacksonSome impressive speed early on from the Red Bull - Verstappen leads by 2.7 seconds from Norris, with Piastri 4.3 seconds back.
Race victory on the cards for Verstappen! He hasn’t won since Imola in May...
Piastri takes third! (Lap 6/53)
14:12 , Kieran JacksonPiastri does a Verstappen and goes around the outside of the Ferrari at the turn 1 chicane, and makes it stick!
Lovely move. No complaints from Leclerc.
Next up? Norris down the road...
Verstappen takes first place back! (Lap 4/53)
14:09 , Kieran JacksonWhat a move!
With DRS, Verstappen goes around the outside of turn 1-2 and makes it stick!
The Red Bull back in front! Does his speed allow him to get away?
Piastri wants Leclerc to give third place back...
Verstappen on the tail of Norris (Lap 3/53)
14:08 , Kieran JacksonNorris has not surged ahead thus far, with Verstappen right on his tail!
Piastri has a look at Leclerc, but nothing doing. The Aussie unimpressed with the Ferrari driver’s movement under braking...
Norris leads! (Lap 2/53)
14:07 , Kieran JacksonVerstappen does give first place back on the main straight - Norris leads!
And Leclerc takes third place back from Piastri at the first chicane - stunning move!
Top-10: Norris, Verstappen, Leclerc, Piastri, Russell, Bortoleto, Alonso, Hamilton, Tsunoda, Antonelli
Verstappen keeps the lead but goes off track!
14:06 , Kieran JacksonThe Red Bull pole-sitter doesn’t make the chicane, while Norris took a bit of grass on the straight but stays in second!
“What’s this idiot doing? Come on, he puts me in the grass!”
Piastri loses third to Leclerc, but takes it back after the second chicane!
Verstappen has not given the position back yet...
Nico Hulkenberg told to retire the car!
14:03 , Kieran JacksonOh no!
Hulkenberg, who qualified 12th, has been told to box to retire the car.
Hulkenberg: “You serious?!”
The grid takes shape without him...
Formation lap
14:01 , Kieran JacksonSo Max Verstappen takes the 18-car field on the grid away for the formation lap, with Isack Hadjar and Pierre Gasly starting from the pit-lane.
The top-13 are all on medium tyres, with Liam Lawson in 18th the only driver on softs.
One-stop race incoming, me thinks....
Here we go then!
Lando Norris:
13:59 , Kieran Jackson“To be honest I think everyone's straight-line speed is pretty intimidating to us, bar probably the Mercedes.
"It will be my best chance of victory off the line but it's still a long way, there are still overtaking opportunities and we can still do strategy things.
"I think we can still have better pace than the Red Bull today. The pace is going to be very strong today so I'm not expecting an easy race by any means."
Starting grid for the Italian Grand Prix:
13:58 , Kieran Jackson1. Max Verstappen
2. Lando Norris
3. Oscar Piastri
4. Charles Leclerc
5. George Russell
6. Kimi Antonelli
7. Gabriel Bortoleto
8. Fernando Alonso
9. Yuki Tsunoda
10. Lewis Hamilton*
11. Ollie Bearman
12. Nico Hulkenberg
13. Carlos Sainz
14. Alex Albon
15. Esteban Ocon
16. Lance Stroll
17. Franco Colapinto
18. Liam Lawson
Pit lane. Pierre Gasly**
Pit lane. Isack Hadjar**
*Hamilton has a five-place grid drop after failing to slow down under yellow flag conditions at the last round in Zandvoort
**Hadjar and Gasly start in the pit-lane after taking new power units.
Italian Grand Prix
13:50 , Kieran JacksonTen minutes until the final race of the European season gets underway in Monza!
Max Verstappen is on pole after his stunning lap yesterday, with McLaren’s Lando Norris on the front row and Oscar Piastri in third.
It’s a long old run down to that turn 1-2 chicane - will we see any action at the start?!
Kimi Antonelli, who starts sixth:
13:47 , Kieran JacksonIt was pretty good (weekend so far). It was a shame because I started well in FP1 and I had good momentum and then in FP2, I ended up losing all of it because I went off so early.
"It felt like a new start yesterday morning in FP3, but I am happy with how I progressed during the session. It's a shame because I felt I had a bit more to give but we will try to do our best today."
Hamilton couldn't resist getting his phone out!
13:43 , Kieran Jackson"Ciao Tutti!" 🇮🇹
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) September 7, 2025
Lewis Hamilton capturing videos of his first race as a Ferrari driver at Monza 🥺 pic.twitter.com/AGXd43pmIY
Time for the Italian national anthem in Monza
13:40 , Kieran JacksonOne of the world’s most famous anthems is belted out art the home of Ferrari!
Quite the sight. Surreal moments, one thinks, for Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton on the grid, as well as Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli.
Driver Standings heading into Monza
13:40 , Kieran JacksonPiastri now has a 34-point lead over Norris after the Brit’s unfortunate retirement in Zandvoort:
1. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – 309 points
2. Lando Norris (McLaren) – 275 points
3. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – 205 points
4. George Russell (Mercedes) – 184 points
5. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – 151 points
6. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) – 109 points
7. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) – 64 points
8. Alex Albon (Williams) – 64 points
9. Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber) - 37 points
10. Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls) – 37 points
11. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) – 32 points
12. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) – 30 points
13. Esteban Ocon (Haas) – 27 points
14. Pierre Gasly (Alpine) – 20 points
15. Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) – 20 points
16. Ollie Bearman (Haas) – 16 points
17. Carlos Sainz (Williams) – 16 points
18. Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber) – 14 points
19. Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull) – 12 points
20. Franco Colapinto (Alpine) – 0 points
21. Jack Doohan (Alpine) – 0 points
COMMENT: Lando Norris must now change the habit of a lifetime after cruel F1 title blow
13:36 , Kieran JacksonThe timing could not have been more piercing for Lando Norris. Just as the crestfallen McLaren driver trudged back to the Zandvoort pit-lane, Oscar Piastri was introduced onto the top step of the podium as the winner of the Dutch Grand Prix. The Brit was not hanging around for the national anthems; emotions and those papaya colours could not have been more juxtaposed.
Norris’s cruel retirement from second in the field on Sunday with eight laps to go, the result of an oil leak due to a suspected chassis issue, has changed the whole complexion of this season’s F1 championship race. A gap to teammate Piastri, which was at nine points pre-race – and was set to increase to 16 – now stands at 34 points. In a campaign of fine margins between the McLaren duo, it is a game-changing moment.
It feels like a big day for Norris if he wants to claw back his deficit.
Lando Norris must now change the habit of a lifetime after cruel F1 title blow
Italian GP coming up!
13:31 , Kieran JacksonIt’s a big day for Lewis Hamilton.
He starts in 10th, after that five-place grid penalty, but has shown pace all weekend - how quickly can he get up the order?
Still looking for his first podium for Ferrari...
Nico Rosberg on Norris-Piastri title battle:
13:22 , Kieran Jackson“When I was the favourite [in 2016], I was not able to win races anymore. I was so scared of losing the championship, it was mine to lose. The other guy is almost out of it.
“You’re so close to your big dream, you make many mistakes. This has now dropped off the shoulders of Lando, he started the season as the massive favourite but now it’s gone since last weekend.
I” think we’ll see a stronger Lando now and think we’re seeing it already. For me it’s Lando for the win this weekend and we still have a championship on our hands.”
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella:
13:18 , Kieran Jackson“It was a very tight session - the 20 cars were all close together.
“Both Lando and Oscar have done a very good job, especially Lando almost finding half-a-second. Good positions for the race.”
“Max has shown in Q3 that he had one tenth more than us. Fair play to Red Bull and Max but for the race, we are in a good position, and not forget about the Ferraris and Russell right behind us.”
Lando Norris in defiant mood as he eyes F1 title comeback against Oscar Piastri
13:11 , Kieran JacksonAsked if he believes Piastri now needs to suffer a DNF in order for him to win the title, Norris replied: “No because in the end, if he’s done a better job, then credit to him.
“That’s how I am. I can still win the championship without anything like that happening and that’s the way I wish to do it. It’d make my life easier if there were just some more drivers in between us now and again.
“We’re so dominant as a team that it almost makes my life harder, that’s probably the most frustrating part of it all.
“But it’s still the best man win and if it’s that way at the end of the season, I’ll respect that.”
READ: Lewis Hamilton looks to evoke spirit of Niki Lauda as he eyes Monza spark
12:59 , Kieran JacksonBy Kieran Jackson in Monza
As ever in Monza, Ferrari’s scarlet-fuelled extravaganza which comes to town every September, the racing team of Italy are doing things a little bit differently. No stranger to audacious liveries and race suits, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc will be sporting a flick of white on their cars and sea blue on their t-shirts over the next three days.
And in a remarkable turn of fate, this Sunday will be 50 years to the day since Niki Lauda claimed his first F1 world championship. Decked in Ferrari colours, the Austrian legend clinched the drivers’ crown at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza on Sunday 7 September 1975, to the acclaim of thousands of passionate tifosi supporters in the grandstands.
Hamilton looks to evoke spirit of Lauda – Monza bow for Ferrari must ignite a spark
Pierre Gasly signs new deal at Alpine
12:53 , Kieran JacksonThe Frenchman has penned an extension until the end of the 2028 season.
“I'm thrilled to commit my long-term future to Alpine. As a Frenchman, especially, driving for a French car company, makes me feel very proud,” said Gasly.
“Since I joined in 2023, I have always felt that this team is the right place to be for the future. Flavio's [Briatore] support and belief in me, François' [Provost] commitment to the Formula One project, as well as the people we have in Enstone made this a natural decision and I want to be here in years to come and deliver on our joint objective: to win races and world championships.
“We're all in this together and I look forward to continuing this special story.”
VIDEO: Hamilton on Ferrari fans
12:44 , Kieran JacksonF1 constructor standings heading into the Italian Grand Prix
12:38 , Kieran Jackson1. McLaren - 584 points
2. Ferrari - 260 points
3. Mercedes - 248 points
4. Red Bull - 214 points
5. Williams - 80 points
6. Aston Martin - 62 points
7. Racing Bulls - 60 points
8. Sauber - 51 points
9. Haas - 44 points
10. Alpine - 20 points
Starting grid for the Italian Grand Prix:
12:30 , Kieran Jackson1. Max Verstappen
2. Lando Norris
3. Oscar Piastri
4. Charles Leclerc
5. George Russell
6. Kimi Antonelli
7. Gabriel Bortoleto
8. Fernando Alonso
9. Yuki Tsunoda
10. Lewis Hamilton*
11. Ollie Bearman
12. Nico Hulkenberg
13. Carlos Sainz
14. Alex Albon
15. Esteban Ocon
16. Lance Stroll
17. Franco Colapinto
18. Pierre Gasly
19. Liam Lawson
Pit lane. Isack Hadjar**
*Hamilton has a five-place grid drop after failing to slow down under yellow flag conditions at the last round in Zandvoort
**Hadjar starts in the pit-lane after taking a new power unit, exceeding his allocation
George Russell, who will start in fifth:
12:15 , Kieran JacksonOn not having mediums: “I felt more comfortable on it, mediums have sometimes been faster. We ultimately just didn’t do a good job in Q3 anyway, bit annoying.
“I probably wasn’t totally clear enough. They thought plan was softs, I should’ve been clear. Bit of error on both parts really.”
Nico Rosberg on Tsunoda being seven-tenths down on Verstappen:
12:00 , Kieran Jackson“It's inexplicable. Yuki knows how to drive a racing car, they can't find a solution to that.
“It's not seven-tenths, I feel for Yuki, this is a really tough day.”
Tsunoda qualified P10, with his team-mate on pole.
COMMENT: Is this the end for Lewis Hamilton? Write him off at your peril
11:30 , Kieran JacksonWalking up the Viale Regina Margherita on Italian Grand Prix weekend, a stone’s throw from the enormous Parco di Monza where this thrillingly high-speed circuit sits at its core, you hit a horde of red-clad devotees. From early in the morning to late at night, they are stood waiting outside the Hotel de la Ville – which has been christened Monza’s ‘Drivers Hotel.’
This is where Ferrari, and a host of other teams, house their drivers. Regularly, a huge cheer will emerge as a driver pops outside to sign autographs and pose for selfies. Mere metres away, a poster of Lewis Hamilton holding a photoshopped goat, to signify his status as the greatest F1 driver of all time, is being held by another Scuderia supporter. This year, more than ever, the excitement reverberates around this quaint city in north-eastern Italy.
Kieran Jackson in Monza:
Is this the end for Lewis Hamilton? Write him off at your peril
TOP-10 IN DRIVER STANDINGS
11:00 , Kieran Jackson1. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – 309 points
2. Lando Norris (McLaren) – 275 points
3. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – 205 points
4. George Russell (Mercedes) – 184 points
5. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – 151 points
6. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) – 109 points
7. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) – 64 points
8. Alex Albon (Williams) – 64 points
9. Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber) - 37 points
10. Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls) – 37 points
FEATURE - ‘I didn’t know where to go’: Meet the luckless F2 champions unable to land an F1 seat
10:00 , Kieran JacksonMonza, the home of Ferrari and dubbed motorsport’s “Temple of Speed”, holds a special place in the heart of Felipe Drugovich. It was here that he sealed victory in the 2022 Formula Two championship. Draped in the Brazilian flag, eyes bulging, his pure look of exultation was not only one of sheer relief, but also of bullish hope.
And why shouldn’t it have been? Recent history showed that triumphing in Formula One’s feeder series (GP2 before 2017) was the natural catalyst for promotion to the exclusive 20-driver top table. Prior to 2022, eight consecutive champions had landed a spot in F1, dating back to Fabio Leimer’s GP2 win in 2013. Yet excruciatingly for Drugovich, raw pace and points on the board aren’t always the No 1 factor in this sport.
Full piece below:
‘I didn’t know where to go’: Meet the luckless F2 champions unable to land an F1 seat
Red Bull boss makes ‘crazy’ assertion on 2026 engine project with Ford
01:00 , Kieran JacksonRed Bull team principal Laurent Mekies has acknowledged that the team’s engine project for 2026 is a “crazy” undertaking.
Mekies, who replaced the axed Christian Horner in July, has one eye focused on the sport’s new engine and chassis regulations next year, when Red Bull will take to the track with their own power unit, in partnership with American automotive giant Ford.
A project first announced two-and-a-half years ago, with Horner the figurehead, work continues apace in Milton Keynes for an engine capable of matching the likes of Mercedes and Ferrari.
Full quotes below:
Red Bull boss makes ‘crazy’ assertion on 2026 engine project with Ford
Daniel Ricciardo makes final call on racing career after end of F1 tenure
Saturday 6 September 2025 23:59 , Kieran JacksonDaniel Ricciardo has confirmed the end of his motor racing career after becoming a global ambassador for Ford.
Ricciardo, 36, was dropped by Racing Bulls last October, having failed to make his mark and regain a seat at Red Bull. Prior to this, he was also dropped by McLaren at the end of the 2022 season.
The popular Australian, a hit on Netflix’s Drive to Survive series and an eight-time race winner, has been out of the spotlight in the 12 months since, but has now joined American automotive giant Ford as an ambassador, focusing on their off-road Raptor brand.
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Daniel Ricciardo makes final call on racing career after end of F1 tenure
Cadillac add IndyCar star to F1 ranks for debut season in 2026
Saturday 6 September 2025 23:00 , Kieran JacksonCadillac have signed IndyCar star Colton Herta as an F1 test driver, with the American switching back to the European single-seater pyramid in the hope of an F1 seat in the future.
Herta, 25, has been linked with an F1 switch for a number of years and there was speculation that American team Cadillac could pick him as a home driver for their debut in the sport next year.
While they instead acquired the services of experienced drivers Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez, Herta has now been announced as a test driver, returning to Europe where he previously raced in British F3 as a teenager.
Cadillac add IndyCar star to F1 ranks for debut season in 2026
READ: F1 extends partnership with Monaco Grand Prix to 85 years with new contract
Saturday 6 September 2025 22:00 , Kieran JacksonFormula One has signed a four-year extension with the Monaco Grand Prix, with the race set to appear on the calendar until 2035.
Building on the previous deal until 2031, F1 has come to a fresh agreement with the Automobile Club of Monaco, despite the sport’s crown jewel event coming under criticism for a lack of overtaking.
Two mandatory pit stops were introduced this year with the intention of adding intrigue to what is usually a processional affair. However, teams worked around the rules with a slow-running car helping the other car make, effectively, a free pit-stop.
Full details below:
F1 extends partnership with Monaco Grand Prix to 85 years with new contract
Charles Leclerc after qualifying on fourth:
Saturday 6 September 2025 20:00 , Kieran Jackson“I knew my lap was, hate to say perfect, it was as close as what I would have wanted to do. When I saw that Max went in front, most of the time you do the lap on the second one. I took all the risk in the first one. No regrets, that’s the place we could have done the best possible place.
“Reality caught us back.
After winning in 4th last year: “It will be even more difficult, it is going to be tough to do something different. If I win tomorrow, I’d be surprised, but never say never.”
Red Bull boss Laurent Mekies:
Saturday 6 September 2025 19:00 , Kieran JacksonIt never felt granted to be on pole, we are certainly a bit closer to the fight. It was good to feel it could have happened. There was six or sveen cars fighting for pole, but Max and the team did a very good job.
“We know the advantage of McLaren is in the race, they have more pace.”
Lewis Hamilton, who qualified fifth who will start 10th:
Saturday 6 September 2025 18:30 , Kieran Jackson“I can’t even find the words here, the fans here are so beautiful. Here, when you leave the garage, you see them throughout the left and right, red, red. Don’t know what’s possible tomorrow, find my way to wriggle through.
“Yes. You try and imagine what it’s going to be like. I remember when Seb was here, watching him from the podium, but it’s different when you’re in it. The passion and the intensity of that passion, I don’t think I’ve seen that anywhere in the world - maybe Brazil and the Brazilian football team, Argentina too.”
Starting grid for the Italian Grand Prix:
Saturday 6 September 2025 18:00 , Kieran Jackson1. Max Verstappen
2. Lando Norris
3. Oscar Piastri
4. Charles Leclerc
5. George Russell
6. Kimi Antonelli
7. Gabriel Bortoleto
8. Fernando Alonso
9. Yuki Tsunoda
10. Lewis Hamilton*
11. Ollie Bearman
12. Nico Hulkenberg
13. Carlos Sainz
14. Alex Albon
15. Esteban Ocon
16. Lance Stroll
17. Franco Colapinto
18. Pierre Gasly
19. Liam Lawson
Pit lane. Isack Hadjar**
*Hamilton has a five-place grid drop after failing to slow down under yellow flag conditions at the last round in Zandvoort
**Hadjar starts in the pit-lane after taking a new power unit, exceeding his allocation
Max Verstappen, after qualifying on pole:
Saturday 6 September 2025 16:50 , Kieran Jackson“It’s always very difficult to nail the lap, Q3 felt good, for us to be on pole is fantastic. To be able to fight for pole, I’m very happy with that.
“It was tight. Historically this season, the race has been more complicated for us but we’ll give it everything we have, that’s all we can do and see what happens tomorrow.”
REMINDER: Hamilton's five-place grid drop
Saturday 6 September 2025 16:32 , Kieran JacksonDue to that yellow flag infringement in Zandvoort, Hamilton will start tomorrow’s race in 10th, having qualified in fifth.
Tough one to stomach.
Lando Norris, who qualified second:
Saturday 6 September 2025 16:30 , Kieran Jackson“Max has been quick all weekend, it’s never a surprise with Max! It was quite a session from me, up and down, too many mistakes, but put it together in the final lap.
“I feel like I didn’t do the best of jobs but to end up with P2 is not a bad position off the line.
“Our race on a Sunday is normally our strength - to get past Max will be a big challenge.”
Oscar Piastri after qualifying third:
Saturday 6 September 2025 16:20 , Kieran Jackson“Turn 1 was average, rest of lap pretty fine. It’s been incredibly tight this weekend, a lot of teams look quick, it’s not been as comfortable
“When you’re on the lap, you’re going for it and going for pole, flat-out. There’s a long way to go, will try and make up some spots tomorrow.
“It’s been a bit trickier for us in general this weekend.”
What time is the Italian Grand Prix?
Saturday 6 September 2025 16:14 , Kieran JacksonRound 16 at Monza starts at 2pm (BST) on Sunday.
Max Verstappen starts on pole - but the pole-sitter has not won at Monza in the last five years!
TOP-10 IN QUALIFYING
Saturday 6 September 2025 16:13 , Kieran Jackson1. Max Verstappen
2. Lando Norris
3. Oscar Piastri
4. Charles Leclerc
5. Lewis Hamilton
6. George Russell
7. Kimi Antonelli
8. Gabriel Bortoleto
9. Fernando Alonso
10. Yuki Tsunoda
Max Verstappen on pole position!
Saturday 6 September 2025 16:04 , Kieran JacksonUnbelievable drama!
Norris took pole out of nowhere, before Verstappen took P1 back by 0.077 seconds!
It’s a 1:18:792 - and a new lap record at Monza! Another stunning lap from the reigning world champion!
3-10: Piastri, Leclerc, Hamilton, Russell, Antonelli, Bortoleto, Alonso
Disappointment for Ferrari!
George Russell not happy
Saturday 6 September 2025 16:01 , Kieran JacksonRussell: “We’ve got the softs on?”
Engineer: “Affirm.”
Russell: “I said I wanted mediums, no?”
It’ll be softs for Russell. FINAL LAPS in Q3 coming up...
Max Verstappen on provisional pole!
Saturday 6 September 2025 15:57 , Kieran JacksonHere we go then - it’s actually Red Bull and Ferrari on the front row!
Verstappen is 0.083 secs quicker than Leclerc in second, with Piastri third, Hamilton fourth and Russell fifth.
Lando Norris is down in seventh! He didn’t have a slipstream - and Bortoleto is ahead of him in sixth!
1-10: Verstappen, Leclerc, Piastri, Hamilton, Russell, Bortoleto, Norris, Antonelli, Tsunoda, Alonso
They’ll all come in, prepare, and go again...
Q3 underway!
Saturday 6 September 2025 15:54 , Kieran JacksonHere we go then - the top-10 shootout for pole!
10 drivers involved: Norris, Piastri, Leclerc, Hamilton, Verstappen, Tsunoda, Antonelli, Russell, Alonso, Bortoleto
Relief for Norris!
Saturday 6 September 2025 15:48 , Kieran JacksonBut can he get pole?
Lando Norris saves himself!
Saturday 6 September 2025 15:45 , Kieran JacksonTense for Lando Norris, who was P11 as he set his final lap, but he pushes Ollie Bearman out of qualifying and goes fifth!
He even got a tow from Oscar Piastri!
Bottom-five and out in Q2 (11-15): Bearman, Hulkenberg, Sainz, Albon, Ocon
Time for the top-10 shootout for pole!
Norris goes P7
Saturday 6 September 2025 15:41 , Kieran JacksonInteresting new tactic for Norris: push, cool, cool, push. So, he should get two laps in.
His first lap is only seventh-fastest... he’ll need to go quicker I think!
Current bottom-five (11-15): Bearman, Alonso, Ocon, Albon, Hulkenberg
3:00 to go in Q2. Verstappen, Russell and Piastri are the top-three currently....
Norris makes an error
Saturday 6 September 2025 15:36 , Kieran JacksonNorris’ engineer: “We need to box this lap.”
Norris went beyond the white line at turn 1. Lap deleted.
Will he only have one chance to set a lap, then? Not ideal.
Current bottom-five (11-15): Ocon, Sainz, Hulkenberg, Albon, Norris
6:00 to go in Q2...
Q2 underway!
Saturday 6 September 2025 15:30 , Kieran JacksonHere we go with the next-stage of what is a super-tight qualifying session - barely any time at all between the cars around this high-speed circuit!
15 minutes for Q2 where, again, we will lose the slowest five drivers...
Q2 delayed by three minutes
Saturday 6 September 2025 15:25 , Kieran JacksonDue to a bit of gravel on the circuit, qualifying won’t start for another few minutes - 3:27pm.
Hadjar out!
Saturday 6 September 2025 15:24 , Kieran JacksonJust P16 for the Frenchman...
Antonelli saves himself!
Saturday 6 September 2025 15:23 , Kieran JacksonP11 for the Italian but in a bit of a shock after last week’s podium, Isack Hadjar is out!
In fact, both Racing Bulls are!
Bottom-five and out in Q1 (16-20): Hadjar, Stroll, Colapinto, Gasly, Lawson
Big moments for Kimi Antonelli
Saturday 6 September 2025 15:17 , Kieran JacksonTwo minutes to go and 19 cars out on track as they look to make Q2 - with Russell (P1) the only man in the garage.
Current bottom-five (16-20): Gasly, Antonelli, Colapinto, Ocon, Lawson
2:00 to go in Q1...
Russell goes P1
Saturday 6 September 2025 15:13 , Kieran JacksonWith the medium tyre, Russell goes top of the timesheet with a 1:19414 - two-tenths clear of Norris.
Is that the tyre to go on?
Both Williams drivers now have a time on the board and are in the top-15.
Current bottom-five (16-20): Gasly, Antonelli, Colapinto, Ocon, Lawson
6:00 to go in Q1..
Albon and Sainz both have lap times deleted
Saturday 6 September 2025 15:10 , Kieran JacksonEarly track limit concerns for the Williams pair, meaning they’re rock bottom as it stands after the first set of laps.
Current bottom-five (16-20): Bearman, Stroll, Ocon, Albon, Sainz
Plenty of time left, with 10 minutes still on the clock... Norris fastest early on, with Piastri 2nd and Leclerc 3rd.
Q1 underway!
Saturday 6 September 2025 15:01 , Kieran JacksonThe Scuderia Ferrari flag is flying in the grandstand as we get underway with this first stage of qualifying - with a host of cars keen to get straight out there!
Qualifying coming up!
Saturday 6 September 2025 14:55 , Kieran JacksonIt’s a big one this afternoon, as the drivers take to the track for the final qualifying session of the 2025 season.
Once again, Lando Norris is the favourite after topping two of the three practice sessions - but like last week, could Oscar Piastri pip him to pole?
Elsewhere, Ferrari have shown good pace this weekend - what can Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc do in front of the team’s home fans?
Hamilton arrived on a motorbike at Monza this morning
Saturday 6 September 2025 14:43 , Kieran JacksonThe seven-time world champion certainly knows how to arrive in style!
Italian GP qualifying odds!
Saturday 6 September 2025 14:35 , Kieran JacksonFancy a flutter?
Italian GP - pole position:
- Oscar Piastri - 6/4
- Lando Norris - 8/5
- Charles Leclerc - 4/1
- Max Verstappen - 8/1
- Lewis Hamilton - 17/1
- George Russell - 30/1
- Carlos Sainz - 70/1
- Gabriel Bortoleto - 70/1
- Nico Hulkenberg - 70/1
- Alex Albon - 70/1
- Kimi Antonelli - 225/1
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