Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko believes the size of Lando Norris’s Dutch Grand Prix victory over rival Max Verstappen means he can’t be ruled out of the possibility of him beating Verstappen to the 2024 title, while McLaren are closing in on Red Bull at the top of the constructors’ championship.

After Formula 1 returned from its summer break and qualifying, it was McLaren’s Lando Norris who produced a stunning lap on the final day to take pole by a massive 0.35s from Max Verstappen in second, with Oscar Piastri just behind in third. George Russell qualified fifth, ahead of Perez and Leclerc, while Aston Martin’s Alonso and Stroll completed the top eight. Lewis Hamilton was out of position, not helped by a grid penalty for blocking in qualifying, which left him 14th, while Sainz was also disappointed to start 10th.

“It’s unbelievable,” said Norris. “I did a great lap at the end so I’m very happy, the team have done a great job. The feeling in the car was great and the new updates we made this weekend seem to be working really well.”

“Mad Max” will be making his 200th Formula One race on Sunday, although his results this week have not lived up to the expectations of his fans, known as the “Orange Army”, who have seen him dominate the Zandvoort circuit without a single point since the race was reintroduced to the world championship in 2021.

However, he remains at the top of the drivers’ standings, 78 points ahead of his immediate rival Norris, who admitted he faces a tough task to beat the Dutchman (277 to 199).

“I’m not expecting anything easy, for sure,” said Norris after the test.

Here are the top 10 qualifying times:

1. **Lando Norris** (GBR/McLaren) - 1:30:45.519

2. **Max Verstappen** (Netherlands/Red Bull) - +22.896 sec

3. **Charles Leclerc** (Monaco/Ferrari) - +25.439 sec

4. **Oscar Piastri** (AUS/McLaren) - +27.337 sec

5. **Carlos Sainz Jr** (ESP/Ferrari) - +32.137 sec

6. **Sergio Perez** (Mexico/Red Bull) - +39.542 sec

7. **George Russell** (GBR/Mercedes) - +44.617 sec

8. **Lewis Hamilton** (GBR/Mercedes) - +49.599 sec

9. **Pierre Gasly** (FRA/Alpine) - +1 lap

10. **Fernando Alonso** (ESP/Aston Martin) - +1 lap

Get ready for one of the most exciting and thrilling races on the Formula 1 calendar, as the Grand Prix gets underway in Monza, Italy! Known as the “Temple of Speed” for good reason, Monza’s famously fast track and long straights offer a spectacular spectacle of high-speed racing and daring overtaking. This will be a golden opportunity for Formula 1 fans to watch the best drivers challenge the limits of speed and control on one of the most challenging circuits in the world.

Bring on the action as top teams such as Ferrari, Red Bull and Mercedes battle it out for the win on Italian soil. Don’t miss out on this historic moment and prepare for an unforgettable racing experience.