Despite all the expectation of another Max Verstappen-dominated qualifying session yesterday in Monza, it was Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz who caused an upset to claim pole position for the 2023 Italian Grand Prix.
The Spanish driver left it right until the end to put together a perfect lap and steal top spot away from the Dutchman, who’s aiming to make Formula One history this weekend.
After winning in the Netherlands last time out, Verstappen made it nine wins in succession, equalling the record last set by Sebastian Vettel in 2013. One more chequered flag finish would break that but it seems that Sainz has other ideas.
“It’s so special to get it in front of all the Tifosi,” he stated on social media following his pole position – and he’ll need the full backing of the crowd again today to stay ahead of his former teammate.
His Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc could also help out as he starts the race in P3 after the Italian constructors enjoyed their best qualifying session for a long time on Saturday. Elsewhere, George Russell and Sergio Perez round out the top five starting spots, with Alex Albon beginning from P6 on the grid – Williams’ best start at Monza since 2017.
MORE: Most consecutive race wins in F1 history
F1 Italian Grand Prix 2023 live updates, highlights: As it happens
15 minutes to lights out: The drivers are now heading to the front of the grid for the Italian national anthem. This one is going to be loud infront of a packed out Monza crowd especially with a Ferrari on pole position!
30 minutes to lights out: All the cars have made their way to the grid for the start of today’s race.
Interestingly, it looks like some drivers have opted for the soft tyres and others the mediums. This race is usually a one stop but a safety car stoppage could come into play for those on the soft tyres.
Hello @Autodromo_Monza
We are soooo ready for this one!
#ItalianGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/bpNnn0aU96
— Formula 1 (@F1) September 3, 2023
45 minutes to lights out: What of Verstappen’s chances of grabbing that record breaking win today? Well after qualifying yesterday he didn’t seem too displeased and mentioned on team radio about Ferrari looking quick over one lap but maybe not holding a great race day car at present.
Given that, it’s pretty obvious that he fancies his chances of winning again here in Monza and he’ll be hoping that teammate Perez can provide some help by putting pressure on from behind as he starts in P5.
1 hour to lights out: Hello and welcome to The Sporting News’ live coverage of the 2023 Italian Grand Prix at Monza.
Carlos Sainz stole pole position away from Max Verstappen in qualifying yesterday but can the Dutchman respond to take a record tenth straight victory today? We’ll find out shortly..
Welcome to Race Day at the 2023 Italian Grand Prix!
#ItalianGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/jpgST5ny5a
— Formula 1 (@F1) September 3, 2023
Italian Grand Prix 2023 starting grid
Here’s the full starting grid for today’s 2023 Italian Grand Prix.
| Position | Driver |
| 1 | Carlos Sainz |
| 2 | Max Verstappen |
| 3 | Charles Leclerc |
| 4 | George Russell |
| 5 | Sergio Perez |
| 6 | Alex Albon |
| 7 | Oscar Piastri |
| 8 | Lewis Hamilton |
| 9 | Lando Norris |
| 10 | Fernando Alonso |
| 11 | Yuki Tsunoda |
| 12 | Liam Lawson |
| 13 | Nico Hulkenberg |
| 14 | Valtteri Bottas |
| 15 | Logan Sargeant |
| 16 | Zhou Guanyu |
| 17 | Pierre Gasly |
| 18 | Esteban Ocon |
| 19 | Kevin Magnussen |
| 20 | Lance Stroll |
What time does the F1 race start?
- Date: Sunday, September 3
- Start time: 2 p.m. BST / 9 a.m. ET / 11 p.m. AEDT / 3 p.m. local time
Sunday’s 2023 Italian Grand Prix is scheduled to start at 3 p.m. local time. Lights out will take place just after 2 p.m. BST/9 a.m. ET.
What TV channel is the F1 on?
| UK | USA | Canada | Australia | |
| TV Channel | Sky Sports F1 | ESPN/ABC | TSN (English); RDS (French) | Fox Sports |
Where can I live stream F1?
| UK | USA | Canada | Australia | |
| Live Stream | NOW TV / Sky Go app | ESPN+ | fubo, TSN Direct | Kayo |
How to watch Formula 1 in the US
- TV channel: ABC; ESPN
- Live stream: Fubo / Hulu / Sling TV
F1 fans in the USA can catch all the action in 2023 with all 23 races set to be shown live on ABC, ESPN, and ESPN2. For Spanish-language viewers, they can find live broadcasts on ESPN Deportes, though ESPNews and ESPNU will also show some practice and qualifying sessions live throughout the year.
As well as on the official F1 TV service, the action can be live streamed on Hulu + Live TV with subscriptions. Elsewhere, Sling TV will also show the action, as too will FuboTV in the US.
How to watch Formula 1 in Canada
- TV channel: TSN (English); RDS (French)
- Live stream: TSN Direct
For fans in Canada, TSN will carry the English-language telecast of races. For those looking for the French-language broadcast, RDS will have you covered.
Races can be streamed on fubo and via TSN’s streaming service, TSN Direct.
How to watch Formula 1 in the United Kingdom
- TV channel: Sky Sports F1
- Live stream: NOW TV / Sky Go app
Viewers in the United Kingdom can catch all F1 action on Sky Sports F1, the dedicated F1 channel. For viewers planning to live stream F1 in 2023, you can watch via the Sky Go app if you’re an existing subscriber or you can purchase a Sky Sports Pass on NOW TV.
How to watch Formula 1 in Australia
- TV channel: Fox Sports; Channel 10
- Live stream: Kayo
Fox Sports will carry all races in Australia for the 2023 season.
How to watch Formula 1 in India
- TV channel: N/A
- Live stream: F1 TV Pro
No TV broadcast network is currently set to host the action throughout this year in India, though Formula 1 has launched F1 TV Pro in the country for the first time so fans can live stream the action.
source https://donprosper.com/f1-italian-grand-prix-2023-live-updates-highlights-and-result-as-carlos-sainz-starts-from-pole-position/