Max Verstappen takes pole at Italian Grand Prix

Lando Norris briefly took top spot in Monza only to be relegated by Verstappen

Lando Norris is second in the drivers’ championship (David Davies/PA)

Lando Norris’ world championship aspirations were dealt a boost after he qualified second for the Italian Grand Prix, with Max Verstappen taking pole position.

Norris, who trails Oscar Piastri by 34 points with nine rounds to go, suffered a scruffy session at the sun-cooked Temple of Speed before pulling out his best lap of the day in the closing moments.