The Bull Tames Italy

Max Verstappen conquered both Italian races on the 2025 Formula 1 calendar, with McLaren making headlines for all the wrong reasons

- Gaurav Davare

MONZA HAS ALWAYS BEEN KNOWN AS the temple of speed, as, with its straight-biased layout, Formula 1 cars are trimmed out to the lowest downforce and drag levels possible, resulting in peak top speeds of over 350 km/h. Such a layout is a weak point for McLaren and a strong point for Red Bull, and that's exactly what happened in qualifying as the reigning four-time world champion, Max Verstappen (Oracle Red Bull Racing), took pole position with the two McLarens of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri close behind in second and third position.