Max Verstappen grabs last-gasp maiden Monaco GP pole ahead as Lewis Hamilton finishes sixth after horror practice crash
MAX VERSTAPPEN produced a thrilling final lap to deny Fernando Alonso pole position for the Monaco GP.
The Dutchman left it late – and clipped a wall – but clinched P1 by just 0.084sec.
The Dutchman’s first pole in eight attempts at Monte Carlo spoiled a perfect run from Alonso, who looked to have taken his first pole since 2012.
Alonso will line up in second on the grid ahead of Charles Leclerc in a pulsating qualifying session.
Esteban Ocon was fourth and Carlos Sainz fifth while Lewis Hamilton will start in sixth.
Hamilton had only just scraped into Q2 after getting caught up in traffic and making a mistake at the chicane in Q1.
He recovered in time while his Mercedes team-mate George Russell will line up in eighth place on the grid.
Earlier during third practice, Hamilton had slid into the wall at Mirabeau, damaging his Mercedes.
However, Sergio Perez was less fortunate and will start last after crashing out during Q1.
The Mexican, who won this race last year and is second in the championship, lost control at Turn One.
He slammed hard into the barriers sideways, bringing an early end to his qualifying session.
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
Verstappen will now be looking to take his second win at the Principality.
Pole could be extremely advantageous with Monaco traditionally seeing very few overtakes.