The Italian Grand Prix qualifying session may have set historic records on track, but it has also sparked fresh controversy off it. An unnamed Formula 1 driver is under FIA investigation for a rare rule breach that could lead to a penalty ahead of Sunday’s race at Monza.
The alleged infraction occurred in the aftermath of Saturday’s qualifying session, during which reigning world champion Max Verstappen stormed to pole position. The Dutchman’s blistering lap not only secured him first place on the grid but also went down in history as the fastest lap ever recorded in Formula 1.
McLaren’s Lando Norris secured second, narrowly missing out on what would have been his first career pole at Monza. His teammate Oscar Piastri locked down third, while Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc delighted the home fans with fourth. Seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton rounded out the top five, though he will not start from that position on Sunday.
Hamilton has already been hit with a five-place grid drop for failing to slow under double yellow flags during last weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix, demoting him to 10th place on the grid despite Saturday’s strong qualifying showing.
Now, the FIA is reportedly reviewing another possible breach involving a different driver, though the governing body has not yet confirmed the details publicly. Sources within the paddock suggest the matter relates to post-qualifying procedures, raising questions about potential breaches of parc fermé regulations or communication protocols with race stewards.
If confirmed, the penalty could shake up the starting grid yet again and alter the competitive landscape at a circuit where overtaking opportunities are notoriously limited despite Monza’s reputation as the “Temple of Speed.”
This development adds another layer of drama to an already high-stakes weekend, as Verstappen looks to extend his championship lead, Norris eyes redemption with a potential maiden Monza victory, and Ferrari hope to put on a strong performance in front of their passionate tifosi.
The FIA is expected to issue a formal ruling later tonight, which could determine whether the grid order remains intact or undergoes another reshuffle before lights out on Sunday.
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