Pierre Gasly delivered an emotional speech after claiming a stunning pole position for the Italian Grand Prix on an afternoon which also featured a flashpoint between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen.
The Alpine driver produced one of the surprises of the Formula One season at Monza, beating George Russell by 0.060 seconds to secure the first pole of his career.
Gasly’s achievement came 24 hours after he discovered that his podium finish at the Monaco Grand Prix in June had been taken away.
The FIA’s International Court of Appeal delivered its verdict after the race, triggering discussion in the paddock ahead of qualifying in Italy.
Gasly refused to become distracted and instead produced a lap at a circuit located 30 minutes from his Milan home.
The Frenchman also claimed his sole Formula One victory at Monza six years ago while racing for AlphaTauri.
“We had the car to challenge for pole,” Gasly said. “We were surprised to see us up there.
“I didn’t want to get too excited, but I was third after the first run in Q3 and I knew I had a shot at it.
Pierre Gasly delivered an emotional speech after claiming a stunning pole position for the Italian Grand Prix on an afternoon which also featured a flashpoint between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen
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“I left it all out there. Crossing the line, I knew it would be a lap that would be rewarded, but a chance to get pole position, I didn’t expect that.”
Gasly admitted the fallout from the Monaco decision had made his achievement emotional.
“It has been emotional with everything going on this weekend, and I have been trying to stick to my job,” he added.
“I am really proud and happy to have seized this chance. It was a heck of a lap.
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“Nine years waiting for that feeling. I got my first win here in Monza and now my first pole, too. It is a special place for me.”
Russell had looked the driver most likely to claim pole following performances in practice and qualifying.
The Mercedes star must now attempt to reduce the 59-point championship advantage held by team-mate Kimi Antonelli with 11 races remaining.
Antonelli qualified seventh but will start from the back after taking an engine.
Oscar Piastri secured third for McLaren, while Ferrari endured a disappointing home qualifying session as Charles Leclerc and Hamilton finished fourth and fifth.
Hamilton narrowly reached Q3, edging Audi driver Gabriel Bortoleto by one-thousandth of a second.
“We are through, that is very tight,” race engineer Carlo Santi informed him.
“Ah, f*** me,” Hamilton responded.
Pierre Gasly will be the man to beat at Sunday’s Italian Grand Prix
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The seven-time world champion was also involved in a tense moment with rival Verstappen as they jostled for position.
“He caused that,” Verstappen complained, while Hamilton reported: “I got blocked by Max.”
Hamilton arrived at Monza in a £6million Ferrari F40 and declared his ambition to become the first black driver to win the famous race.
However, Ferrari’s lack of pace has left both drivers facing a difficult task on Sunday.
