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McLaren's Norris claims pole position at Italian Grand Prix with front row lockout at Monza
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    McLaren’s Norris claims pole position at Italian Grand Prix with front row lockout at Monza

    MONZA, Italy (AP) — The Formula 1 title race just might be back on after all.

    Lando Norris surged into pole position in qualifying for the Italian Grand Prix on Saturday and will be hoping to cut further into Max Verstappen’s championship lead after a bad day for the Red Bull driver.

    McLaren, which is also looking to reduce the gap in the constructors’ standings behind Red Bull, locked out the front of the grid for Sunday’s race at Monza as Norris finished 0.109 seconds ahead of teammate Oscar Piastri.

    Verstappen will start in seventh on a circuit where overtaking is tricky. That offers Norris the chance to continue to chip away at the three-time defending champion’s advantage in the drivers’ standings — which is down to 70 points, with nine races left.

    “For sure it’s a good opportunity,” Norris said. “I expect (Verstappen) to come through and probably be behind us quite quickly. Their race pace looked very strong on Friday … for some reason they just didn’t seem to take those steps forward through qualifying.

    “Even his gap to Perez wasn’t as big as what it normally is so I don’t know if he just struggled more with something or just didn’t put good enough laps in but it’ll be for a reason I’m sure and we need to try and make the most of that.”

    Norris achieved back-to-back poles for the first time, and his fifth pole overall. He won from the front of the grid last weekend at the Dutch Grand Prix.

    “Another pole, which is amazing,” he said. “To have two cars first and second when the field is as tight as it has been all weekend is a surprise, but a nice one. My lap, it hurts me to say, wasn’t a great lap. So a bit surprised at the end but very happy.”

    Given Red Bull’s recent difficulties, Norris could have been even closer to Verstappen in the standings had he not listened to team orders and let Piastri win in Hungary.

    The McLaren duo were asked if Piastri would be told to do the same in the remaining races.

    “That’s our Sunday morning meeting,” Norris said with a laugh. “It’s a little bit been discussed already, but at the minute it’s free to race, like it always is.”

    The top six in qualifying at the ‘Temple of Speed’ were separated by less than two-tenths of a second.

    Mercedes driver George Russell will start third, just ahead of the Ferrari duo of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz.

    Lewis Hamilton will be sixth on the grid in his last time racing at Monza as a Mercedes driver before his move to Ferrari at the end of the season.

    There was then a much bigger gap to the Red Bulls, as Verstappen was 0.695 behind Norris and just ahead of teammate Sergio Perez.

    Verstappen is without a victory in five races, his longest winless run since 2020.

    “As a team we are concerned by our form but more than that it is confusing,” Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said. “We will work hard overnight to try and understand it, but it gives us a tough race tomorrow.”

    Alex Albon and Nicolas Hülkenberg rounded out the top 10.

    Williams debutant Franco Colapinto was eliminated in Q1 in his first F1 qualifying session and will start 18th.

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    McLaren’s rising star Lando Norris stunned the Formula 1 world by claiming pole position at the Italian Grand Prix, securing a front row lockout for the team at the iconic Monza circuit.

    The 21-year-old British driver put in a sensational lap during qualifying to beat out the competition and secure his first-ever pole position in Formula 1. Norris’ teammate, Daniel Ricciardo, also put in a strong performance to secure second place on the grid, marking McLaren’s first front row lockout since the 2012 Brazilian Grand Prix.

    Norris’ pole position comes as a major breakthrough for the young driver, who has been impressing fans and pundits alike with his consistent performances this season. The McLaren driver has shown remarkable maturity and skill behind the wheel, consistently outperforming his more experienced teammate and challenging the established frontrunners in the championship.

    The Italian Grand Prix at Monza is known for its high-speed nature and historic significance in the world of motorsport. The circuit’s long straights and fast corners make it a favorite among drivers and fans alike, with races often producing thrilling wheel-to-wheel action and dramatic moments.

    With Norris claiming pole position, all eyes will be on him as he looks to convert his qualifying success into a strong race result. The young driver will be aiming to secure his first-ever Formula 1 victory and further establish himself as one of the sport’s brightest talents.

    McLaren’s front row lockout at Monza is a testament to the team’s resurgence in recent years, with the British outfit making significant progress to challenge the likes of Mercedes and Red Bull at the front of the grid. The team’s improved performance and competitive edge have been evident throughout the season, with both Norris and Ricciardo consistently scoring points and challenging for podium finishes.

    As the Italian Grand Prix gets underway, fans can expect an exciting and unpredictable race as Norris and Ricciardo go head-to-head with the rest of the field. With McLaren’s front row lockout setting the stage for a thrilling battle at Monza, Formula 1 fans are in for a treat as they witness the next chapter in what promises to be an unforgettable season.