May 28

May 28 Max Verstappen thrills with Monaco pole position

Max Verstappen set a stunning lap around Monaco to snatch pole position for Sunday’s grand prix.

Max Verstappen on track during qualifying in Monaco. *(Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool)*

With a handful of drivers swapping the top spot in the final stages of Q3 it was Fernando Alonso at the top of the time sheet before a thrilling final lap from Verstappen.

“We knew it was going to be a bit of a struggle this weekend, but everything came together in the end.,” said the Dutchman.

“Yesterday wasn’t the best start, but I think we kept on improving and getting better.”

“My final lap today wasn’t ideal, I gave it everything I had and risked it all in the third sector, as I knew I was behind. I clipped a few barriers but I’m happy to be on pole here for the first time,” said an understated Verstappen.

Team principal Christian Horner was less reserved in his commentary of the World Champion’s final lap.

“That was one of the most exciting laps Max has ever driven in quali, what a performance,” said Horner.

“On the last lap, when he arrived at the Swimming Pool, he was 0.2s behind Fernando and then in that last sector he hit the wall twice, but his momentum carried him through. He was gaining time and then he did it, he took pole.”

“An unreal drive.”

Verstappen will start with Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso alongside him on the front row.

“Tomorrow we need a clean start,” said Verstappen.

“It’s a short run to turn one and in Monaco a lot of things can happen. Race pace-wise the car is quick, so hopefully we can have a positive day.”

Max Verstappen celebrates pole position in Monaco. *(Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool)*

Charles Leclerc will start third in his home grand prix, with Alpine’s Esteban Ocon in fourth. With teammate Gasly starting seventh, it is a positive step for Alpine, who have struggled so far in the 2023 season and faced public criticism from CEO Laurent Rossi.

It was a reversal of fortunes for Red Bull’s Sergio Perez, who has been fighting to stay in the championship battle against teammate Verstappen. Perez crashed out of qualifying in Q1 and faces the insurmountable task of starting last on the Monaco grid.

The 2023 Formula 1 Grand Prix de Monaco is underway at 11.00pm on Sunday (AEST).

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2023 Formula One World Championship - Monaco Qualifying