Verstappen Breaks Hamilton’s F1 Record at Monza 2025

Formula 1, Sportrik Media - Max Verstappen of Oracle Red Bull Racing set a new Formula 1 fastest lap record by average speed. He clinched pole position at the 2025 Italian Grand Prix in Monza with a 1m18.792s lap, surpassing Lewis Hamilton’s 2020 record. Additionally, Verstappen jokingly said he’d be faster in the 2020 Mercedes W11. This article reviews his achievement and quip on September 6, 2025.

Verstappen’s Historic Record

Verstappen’s lap averaged 264.682 km/h, beating Hamilton’s 264.363 km/h mark. “New asphalt and kerbs made the track faster,” he said. He added with a grin, “Put me in that 2020 Mercedes, and I’d go even quicker!” As a result, he outpaced Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri of McLaren F1 Team. Meanwhile, the Red Bull Pit Crew and engineer Adrian Newey ensured the RB21’s peak performance.

Qualifying Competition

Verstappen edged Norris by 0.077 seconds, with Piastri in third. Charles Leclerc of Scuderia Ferrari took P4, followed by George Russell of Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team under Toto Wolff. For instance, Gabriel Bortoleto of Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber impressed in P8. However, Hamilton, penalized, starts from P10.

Improvement from Last Year

Last year, Verstappen qualified P7 at Monza. Now, he praised the RB21’s upgrades. “The car’s more stable, corners better,” he noted. Consequently, he benefited from a Q2 slipstream and Q3 improvements. Moreover, lessons from the 2024 RB20 enhanced aerodynamics. Thus, Verstappen is in a strong position for the race.

Race Prospects

The race on September 7, 2025, will be intense. Verstappen, starting from pole, is the favorite. However, McLaren and Ferrari could challenge with tire strategies. For example, Leclerc has tifosi support. Teams like BWT Alpine F1 Team and MoneyGram Haas F1 Team may surprise. Therefore, Sportrik predicts tire management and pit stops will shape the outcome at the “Temple of Speed.”