07/09/2025 07:25
Lewis Hamilton was far from "surprised" to see Max Verstappen romp
to pole position for the Italian Grand Prix at the expense of Lando
Norris and Oscar Piastri. The Dutchman pulled off a shock at Monza
to beat the McLarens in the grid-setting session, setting the
quickest lap in F1 history in the process, a record he claimed from
Hamilton. It left Norris and Piastri second and third-fastest in
qualifying, respectively. Although the MCL39 has not looked its
usual dominant self this weekend, it was still a turn-up for the
books. However, the seven-time F1 drivers' champion was quick to
highlight after qualifying how imperious the Red Bull driver is
over a single lap. When asked by RacingNews365 if he was surprised
to see Verstappen beat the papaya pair, Hamilton pointed to the
machinery the 27-year-old has long had to work with. "I wouldn't
say that I'm surprised," the 105-time grand prix winner replied to
the media present. "He's had the world championship-winning car for
God knows how long, so you know how good he is on a single lap.
Elaborating on the strengths of the RB21, which had greatly
contrasting fortunes to its predecessor at the Temple of Speed, the
40-year-old underlined how strong the Red Bull's straight-line
performance is. Often criticised, like the RB20, Verstappen's
current car is the "most efficient" in a straight line, according
to Hamilton. "But I think their car is particularly good in
high-speed corners and the middle sector onwards, those guys," the
Ferrari driver added. "They're very efficient, as well, on the
straight line. So, I think it's the most efficient car in a
straight line. So great, great job."
