F1 Italian Grand Prix live: Gasly starts on pole as Colapinto takes seventh at Monza

Alpine has turned a week of frustration into a celebratory Saturday at Monza. Pierre Gasly will start the Italian Grand Prix from pole, while Franco Colapinto will line up seventh, the best starting position of his Formula One career.

Gasly’s pole came six years after his first victory at Monza. It also marked the first time in 35 years that a French driver had taken pole at the circuit, following Jean Alesi’s achievement in 1997. Both Alpine cars reached Q3, delivering a standout qualifying session for the team.

Colapinto praised his teammate after qualifying. “It’s quite incredible. It’s not that we expected to take pole. Taking pole is a surprise for everyone, but great work by Pierre and the team,” the Argentine said. “He’s on pole, I’m eighth... I’m looking forward to having a good race and moving forward.” He will start seventh because Kimi Antonelli received a 30-place penalty.

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It’s quite incredible. It’s not that we expected to take pole. Taking pole is a surprise for everyone, but great work by Pierre and the team.

The grid also changed after Oscar Piastri was penalized three places for obstructing Liam Lawson in Q2. The Australian dropped from third to sixth, behind Max Verstappen. Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton will occupy the second row, behind Gasly and George Russell.

The FIA separately responded to questions raised by Alpine executive adviser Flavio Briatore over the decision that initially restored Gasly’s third-place finish in Monaco. Without naming Briatore directly, the FIA said its International Court of Appeal operates independently from its sporting and administrative functions and clarified how judges are appointed and participate. F1TV and Disney+ are scheduled to broadcast the race, while Fox Sports will show it on a delayed basis.

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He’s on pole, I’m eighth... I’m looking forward to having a good race and moving forward.