Verstappen takes Monza pole as Bottas handed penalty

Rome, Sep 11 (EFE).- Dutchman Max Verstappen (Red Bull) on Saturday gabbed pole position in of the Italian Grand Prix as he benefited from the Valtteri Bottas’ grid penalty.

The Mercedes driver finished the second-ever F1 sprint in top spot, but he is set to begin Sunday’s race from the last position due to a change of engine unite, handing pole to the Dutchman.

 “It was a very clean race. We had good pace,” Bottas said afterwards. “It’s not going to be easy. Let’s see if we can do something. I’ll give it all I have”.

Coming second in the sprint, Verstappen earned two points, compared to Bottas’ three, to increase his tally in the overall standings to 226.5, five ahead of Briton Lewis Hamilton, who was fifth.

“That went better than expected,” Verstappen said afterwards. “We had a good start, and of course I’ll be starting from pole tomorrow. It’s going to be interesting”.

McLaren’s Australian driver Daniel Ricciardo finished the sprint third, which earned him a point, ahead of his British teammate Lando Norris.

“It’s been a long time to wait to be in this position. It’s good to be back!” the Australian said.

Ferrari’s drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz came sixth and seventh respectively, while Antonio Giovinazzi (Alfa Romeo), Sergio Perez (Red Bull) and Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) completed the top-10. EFE

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