Gasly takes maiden pole at Monza after FIA reinstates Monaco penalties

Pierre Gasly secured his maiden Formula 1 pole position for Alpine at Monza, one day after the FIA International Court of Appeal reinstated two five-second penalties from the Monaco Grand Prix.

Gasly will share the front row with George Russell after qualifying ahead of the Mercedes driver. The result gives Alpine its first Formula 1 pole and marks the Enstone team’s first since 2009.

Alpine had previously succeeded in having Gasly’s Monaco penalties removed after challenging an incorrect measurement of the pit-lane distance. The penalties were reinstated following appeals by McLaren and Red Bull, ending Gasly’s podium from the race.

The Alpine car’s straight-line speed and low-drag aerodynamic performance helped it suit Monza, an energy-rich circuit where power-unit deployment strategies are expected to influence the race.

Gasly’s only previous Formula 1 victory came at the 2020 Italian Grand Prix. He said he would do everything possible to prepare for the race and fight for victory.

Russell will also be targeting the win, with Antonelli’s back-of-grid start offering him an opportunity to reduce his 59-point deficit to his Mercedes team-mate. Sky Sports reported that Russell had described the race as an interesting fight with Gasly.