Pierre Gasly secured his first-ever pole position in Formula 1® during the qualifying session for the 2026 Italian Grand Prix, driving for Alpine. In a tightly contested shootout at Monza, Gasly edged out Mercedes’ George Russell by just 0.060 seconds to claim the top spot on the grid.
The session highlighted the crucial role of slipstreaming on the high-speed Monza circuit. Gasly’s final lap was notably improved by following closely behind Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton, allowing him to overtake Russell’s previously fastest time. The top ten qualifiers were separated by less than two tenths of a second, underscoring the intense competition and the importance of aerodynamic tow in this qualifying session.
Oscar Piastri secured third place for McLaren, while Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton qualified fourth and fifth respectively. Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing took sixth, rounding out a competitive front half of the grid. Andrea Kimi Antonelli qualified seventh but will start from the back due to an engine penalty, promoting Alpine’s Franco Colapinto to seventh on the grid.
Lando Norris qualified ninth but expressed disappointment after failing to receive a slipstream from Piastri, who went off track during the session and is currently under investigation for impeding Liam Lawson. Both Lawson and Antonelli will start from the back of the grid due to engine penalties.
Several notable drivers, including Nico Hulkenberg, Carlos Sainz, and Esteban Ocon, were eliminated in Q2, while Yuki Tsunoda did not advance past Q1, finishing 17th. Fernando Alonso was unable to complete a final run in Q2 because of a power unit issue with his Aston Martin.
The qualifying session demonstrated how close the field remains this season, with minimal gaps separating the top contenders. Gasly’s achievement marks a significant milestone in his Formula 1® career and provides Alpine with a strong starting position at a circuit known for its high speeds and overtaking opportunities.
This result sets the grid for the Italian Grand Prix, reflecting the competitive nature of the championship at this stage. The session also underlined the impact of technical penalties and the fine margins that define qualifying performance at Monza.