Verstappen set the fastest lap in F1 history during qualifying for the 2025 Italian Grand Prix

Max Verstappen has once again written his name in the Formula 1 history books. During qualifying for the 2025 Italian Grand Prix at Monza, the Red Bull driver set the fastest lap ever recorded in the championship, with an average speed of 264.682 km/h, beating the record set by Lewis Hamilton in 2020.

With a time of 1:18.792, Verstappen secured pole position at the ‘Temple of Speed’, beating Lando Norris by just 77 thousandths of a second. The Netherlander not only left McLaren and Ferrari behind on the track, but also took the liberty of sending a direct message to Hamilton, reminding him that with a car as dominant as the 2020 Mercedes, he could have been even faster.

The record that dethroned Hamilton

Hamilton's record, achieved with the 2020 Mercedes, had remained untouchable for five years. However, Verstappen found the perfect setup in Q3 and delivered a lap that is already part of legend. In a defiant tone, the four-time champion said: “If you put me in that 2020 Mercedes, I would go faster... especially if you put me in that car.”

A lap that pushes the limits

Beyond the anecdote, Verstappen's lap reflects two things. First, that Red Bull can still surprise in scenarios that are theoretically favorable to McLaren or Ferrari. Second, that the ability of the driver from the Netherlands to push a car with low downforce to the limit is what makes the difference.

He explained it himself with ease, almost downplaying the record:

“I don't think the car was perfect, but at least it allowed me to attack the corners and get the necessary rotation. That's what you need at Monza.”

That coolness reflects why Verstappen dominates the modern era: he turns the extraordinary into routine.

What the Italian Grand Prix left behind

Although qualifying was the highlight for the Dutchman in terms of records, the race at Monza confirmed his dominance over McLaren and Ferrari, reinforcing his path in the 2025 season. Beyond Sunday's result, Verstappen's historic lap will remain one of the most important milestones of the year.