- Bottas at back of grid due to penalty for taking new power unit
- Lewis Hamilton fifth behind Daniel Ricciardo and Lando Norris
Valtteri Bottas won the sprint qualifying for the Italian Grand Prix but will not be on pole for Sunday’s race because he has a grid penalty. Instead, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who was second, will start from the front of the grid. Lewis Hamilton however could manage only fifth after a poor start to the 18-lap event. McLaren’s Daniel Ricciardo and Lando Norris were in third and fourth, the Australian’s best qualifying this season.
It leaves Verstappen in a very strong position to extend his championship lead, and with the two points from this race he now has a five point advantage over Hamilton. Bottas will start at the back of the grid having taken a full new power unit this weekend, beyond the team’s allocation. Each driver will move one place up the grid on their finishing positions, meaning Hamilton will start in fourth behind the two McLarens.