Carlos Sainz has revealed he "was on the limit" during his last-gap lap to deny Max Verstappen Italian Grand Prix pole position.
The Ferrari driver clocked a 1:20.294 attempt at Monza to pip Verstappen's Red Bull to pole by just 0.013secs, with teammate Charles Leclerc less than a tenth behind the Spanish driver who took pole for the first time since the 2022 United States Grand Prix.
Sainz and Leclerc also survived a scare during qualifying when an investigation was launched by stewards after it was claimed both drivers did not adhere to the Race Director's event notes over the maximum lap-time in place for safety reasons.
However, no further action was the decision, with Sainz free to enjoy securing back-to-back poles for the Scuderia at Monza.
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"It has been such an intense qualifying, especially for the top three," explained Sainz.
"All three went for it and we were very on the limit, and on that last lap, I had some time to find at the Ascari chicane and Parabolica [now Alboreto], and I went for it.
"I really pushed hard on that last lap.
"The number one target [for the race is to be on the podium], and I am going to give it everything to hold onto P1 and get a good start and first stint and then see if we can battle Max.
"Normally in the long run, he seems quicker, but I am going to give it my all."