Defending champion Lewis Hamilton equalled Ayrton Senna's pole record at Monza after finishing fastest in the Italian Grand Prix qualifying session on Saturday. The British driver has always been amazing in the Italian Grand Prix, winning the title three times in the past, and will be gunning for the fourth win at Monza on Sunday.
Even though Hamilton has the pole advantage over other rivals, his teammate Nico Rosberg will be the biggest competitor for the championship. The German has won six races this season, including the Belgian Grand Prix last week, which has spiced up things. Only nine points separates the two drivers at the top of the drivers' standings.
Despite the second place finish in the qualifying, all is not lost for Rosberg; Hamilton has had some poor starts in F1 races this season. Rosberg just wants to concentrate on the race and not think about other stuffs.
"What's in my mind is just tomorrow's race. Starting from second is a great opportunity. It would be awesome for me to have a great result here in Italy, because it's a special place for and I feel a little bit Italian myself in many ways, so it's great to race here and I would love to have a great result," Formula One's official website quoted Rosberg as saying.
The fight for the top two positions in most of the races have always been between Hamilton and Rosberg this season, and one does not see much change for the Italian Grand Prix as well. There are plenty of skilled drivers in the circuit like Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari) and Daniel Riccardio (Red Bull), but they have not been consistent as the Mercedes duo.
During the qualifying as well, Vettel observed that Hamilton and Rosberg were extremely quick, but the German hopes for a good outing on Sunday.
"Looks like they have been in a world of their own today, but who knows what happens tomorrow. For sure it's great to see that we've got so much support. Last year was already phenomenal and this year seems even better," Vettel said.
"Every out lap you do people stand up and wave. It's great to see all the flags; I think the support we get around here is massive. Thanks to everyone around the track, to all the tifosi and hopefully we'll give something back tomorrow."
Red Bull drivers Ricciardo and Max Verstappen finished in sixth and seventh place in the qualifying; hence they have a huge task if they are to find a way into the podium. Force India's Sergio Perez and Nico Hulkenberg will start from eighth and ninth position, and gather as many points as possible from the Italian Grand Prix.
Where to Watch Live
The Italian Grand Prix is scheduled for a 2 p.m. local time (5.30 p.m. IST, 1 p.m. BST) start. Live Streaming and TV information can be found below.
Country | TV Broadcaster |
India | Star Sports Select HD2 |
US | NBC |
Canada | TSN |
United Kingdom | BBC, Sky Sports |
Middle East and North Africa | Bein Sports Arabia |
Australia | Network Ten |
Germany, Italy | Sky Sport |
France | Canal+ |
Asia | Fox Sports |
Country | Online links |
India | Hotstar |
US | NBC Sports Online |
UK | Watch Sky Sports |
Middle East | BeIN Sport Connect |
Asia | Fox Sports Online |
Italy | Sky Go Italy |
Germany | Sky Go Germany |