News Summary
- Pierre Gasly took the first pole position of his F1 career at the 2026 Italian Grand Prix, beating George Russell by 0.060s with a 1:21.786 lap.
- The Alpine driver produced a major upset at Monza despite his team sitting sixth in the Constructors’ Championship.
- Gasly previously claimed his maiden F1 victory at Monza in 2020 and believes there is “something special” about the Italian circuit.
viously never qualified higher than seventh in 2026, a position he achieved at both the Japanese and Chinese Grands Prix.
Gasly’s performance was particularly striking given Mercedes’ strong form heading into qualifying. Russell had emerged as one of the favourites after Friday, while Alpine had not appeared to have the outright pace to challenge for the front row.
The result also adds another memorable chapter to Gasly’s relationship with Monza. The Frenchman claimed his only F1 victory at the circuit in 2020, when he delivered a surprise win for AlphaTauri.
Gasly said he immediately felt comfortable with the Alpine during qualifying.
“It was incredible. I want to thank everyone. An incredible qualifying. From the first lap in Q1, I felt very good in the car. I tried to find a little bit of time in every session, and it felt like a very good lap,” Gasly said.
The pole also represents Alpine’s first pole position since Fernando Alonso at the 2009 Hungarian Grand Prix, when the Enstone-based team was still competing under the Renault name.
Gasly had already spoken before the weekend about the unique character of Monza and warned that the 2026 regulations could change the way the high-speed circuit is approached. He now has another reason to remember the Temple of Speed fondly. Gasly warns Monza will “lose some of its charm” under F1’s 2026 rules
The Frenchman reflected on the long wait for his first pole and the significance of achieving it at the same venue where he secured his maiden victory.
“It’s nine years of trying to get this opportunity to take a pole. I won my first race in Monza and took my first pole here. There is something special here,” he added.
Gasly’s achievement comes just one day after a difficult moment for Alpine, following the FIA International Court of Appeal’s decision to reinstate the penalties that stripped him of his Monaco GP podium. The ruling dropped him from third to seventh in the final classification and altered the championship standings. FIA ruling over Gasly’s Monaco podium changes 2026 F1 standings
The pole therefore provides a major boost for Gasly and Alpine heading into Sunday’s race. Russell will start alongside him on the front row, while Oscar Piastri and Charles Leclerc occupy the second row.
With Monza traditionally offering opportunities for overtaking, Gasly will now attempt to convert his first career pole into his second Formula 1 victory at the same circuit where his career changed forever in 2020.
The 2026 Italian Grand Prix is scheduled for Sunday, September 6, at 3:00 p.m. local time. The race is the 13th round of the 2026 F1 season. Italian GP 2026: F1 schedule, session times and how to watch Monza
FAQ
1. When is the 2026 Italian Grand Prix?
The Italian Grand Prix takes place on Sunday, September 6, at 3:00 p.m. local time at Monza. The race is the 13th round of the 2026 Formula 1 season.
2. Who starts on pole for the 2026 Italian GP?
Pierre Gasly starts from pole position after setting a 1:21.786 in qualifying. George Russell joins him on the front row, 0.060s behind the Alpine driver.
3. Has Pierre Gasly won at Monza before?
Yes. Gasly scored his maiden Formula 1 victory at Monza in 2020, driving for AlphaTauri. His 2026 pole is the first of his F1 career and gives him another major milestone at the Italian circuit.
