Sainz 'on the limit' to deny Verstappen pole

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.

"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."