Max Verstappen backed to deal McLaren Monza blow

Max Verstappen has been backed by Formula 1 fans to deal McLaren a blow at Monza, by winning the Italian Grand Prix. 

The four-time world champion starts the Italian GP from pole position after setting a new Monza lap record, which also broke the record for the highest average speed across a lap.

It was another stunning Verstappen pole lap, with McLaren having no choice but to settle for second and third on the grid – Lando Norris will start ahead of Oscar Piastri. 

Following his remarkable pole lap, in a RacingNews365 poll, the Dutchman has been backed by 37.44% of voters to claim grand prix victory. 

Interestingly, championship leader Piastri received the second-most votes at 26.42%, ahead of the 18.88% who back Norris to bounce back from his Zandvoort retirement with a win. 

Joining Piastri on the second row is last year's Monza winner Charles Leclerc, who claimed victory 12 months ago from fourth on the grid. 

However, just 8.36% expect the Ferrari driver to replicate what he did last year, while 6.29% believe Lewis Hamilton will perform the impossible from 10th on the grid.

Check out the full poll results below!