MAX ON A FAST-TRACK TO SUCCESS

Verstappen takes charge to close in on McLarens

- BY DANIEL MOXON

ONE day after Max Verstappen officially became the fastest man in Formula One history, the Dutchman spearheaded the sport's shortest ever full race.

It took Verstappen just one hour, 13 minutes and 23 seconds to reach the chequered flag.

The Italian Grand Prix was completed almost a full minute quicker than the 2003 Monza race which saw Michael Schumacher fly to victory.

Verstappen broke the lap record to beat both McLarens to pole but lost the lead straight away.

Lando Norris got the better start but went on to the grass, the Brit accusing the four-time champion of pushing him off track.

He was only more irate when Verstappen then cut the first corner chicane, prompting the McLaren man to blast his "idiot" rival over the radio. Red Bull, knowing a penalty was coming, ordered their driver to give up the lead.

But he took it back just a few laps in as Verstappen made full use of his car's greater top speed down the long Monza straights.