If there was any Grand Prix where we could utter the words ‘Max Verstappen couldn’t…’, then it had to be the Italian Grand Prix. Verstappen couldn’t retain pole. This would’ve been his 3rd in a row. The backyard of the Tifosi, and home to arguably the most iconic team in motor racing history: Ferrari, Monza never disappoints. No matter how torrid the times get, the Temple of Speed does something to the Scuderia. It transforms them. And during today’s epic Q3 session, that magic touched Carlos Sainz.

The Spanish racing ace put in an almost perfect lap to stitch together the 4th pole lap of his F1 career. And what a place to do that, right in front of the Tifosi! That being said, while Sainz triumphed, the Dutch lion could only do as well as 2nd. Even though he starts the race tomorrow from the front row, his and Red Bull’s ego would’ve been bruised. Helmut Marko‘s words after the session perfectly capture that sentiment.

Helmut Marko shrugs off Ferrari humiliation

The Milton-Keynes-based outfit has made it a habit of churning out poles and race wins this season. On the other hand, Ferrari hasn’t really been a fast or reliable team in 2023. Hence, what seemed like easy pickings for the Bulls turned out to be a thumping reality check for them about the prancing horse’s powers.

Red Bull’s taskmaster tried to play it cool after his talisman failed to upstage Ferrari in front of thousands of fans. He was quoted as saying, “We already knew Ferrari would be strong. We never really focused on pole position, looking at how we handled it with the set-up.”

“The adjustment for the race is a lot more important.”

Read More: Enjoying Charles Leclerc’s Miseries, Carlos Sainz Names Best Drive of 2023 Being Meagre 3 Points Ahead of Teammate

It may sound like a case of sour grapes for Helmut Marko, but Sainz, though his eyes are on the prize, knows Verstappen will be lurking.

Carlos Sainz aims big but is still wary of Max Verstappen

Getting pole for Ferrari in Monza is no mean feat. However, for Carlos Sainz, the job is only half done. When prodded, the 29-year-old was quick to declare his hopes for race day. However, in the background lurks a hungry Max Verstappen.

Corroborating Marko’s claims, Eurosport quoted Sainz as saying, “That is the No. 1 target. Tomorrow I’m going to give it everything to get P1, to get a good start and see if we can battle Max. In the long run he’s usually quicker but I’m going to give it my all.”

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Can Carlos Sainz make the Tifosi proud and do the impossible to deny Max Verstappen and Red Bull a win at tomorrow’s Italian Grand Prix?