Pierre Gasly claims first ever pole as he pips George Russell at Monza

Alpine driver Pierre Gasly after claiming pole position for the Italian Grand Prix at Autodromo Nazionale Monza, Italy. Pic: Bradley/PA Wire

Pierre Gasly delivered the shock of the season by taking the first pole position of his career for Sunday’s Italian Grand Prix.

Gasly’s improbable triumph arrived a day on from his Alpine boss Flavio Briatore accusing an FIA judge of having a “working relationship” with McLaren after the British team’s appeal saw the Frenchman stripped of his podium from June’s Monaco Grand Prix.

George Russell, widely expected to claim a much-needed pole in his world championship quest, had to settle for second, pipped to top spot by Gasly by just 0.060 seconds.

McLaren’s Oscar Piastri finished third, with Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton fourth and fifth respectively for Ferrari.

Championship leader Kimi Antonelli took seventh but will start his home race from the back of the grid as he serves an engine penalty.