Formel 1 Qualifying Brilliance at GP Italien 2024: Mercedes Leads the Charge

Mercedes AMG F1 Shines in Qualifying

Lewis Hamilton continued his stellar performance on Saturday (August 31) at Monza, claiming the fastest lap in Formel 1 qualifying. The record-holding Monza champion completed the 5.793-kilometer high-speed circuit in a blistering 1:20.117, just 93 thousandths of a second ahead of teammate George Russell.

After a challenging Friday, Hamilton’s performance highlighted Mercedes' resurgence following a difficult weekend in Zandvoort. The newly installed floor appears to be working effectively for both cars in Monza.

Ferrari and McLaren Close the Gap

Despite Mercedes' strong showing, the competition remains fierce. Charles Leclerc secured third place, a mere 16 thousandths of a second behind Russell. Oscar Piastri was the top McLaren driver in fourth, although he faces a potential penalty for incident involving Leclerc. Lando Norris finished fifth.

Max Verstappen took sixth place, expressing concerns about the handling of his Red Bull car, which has been a recurring issue for the championship leader.

Surprising Performances from Colapinto and Hülkenberg

Carlos Sainz placed behind Verstappen in his Ferrari, while the Williams drivers delivered unexpected results. Alex Albon finished eighth, with rookie Franco Colapinto making a notable impression on his debut. Nico Hülkenberg rounded out the top ten in his Haas, fostering hopes for a solid qualifying session.

Sergio Perez struggled to make an impact, finishing in 18th place, while both Sauber drivers ended up at the bottom of the standings. Late in the session, Kevin Magnussen faced technical issues, requiring his team to work on the car ahead of the qualifying rounds.