Rosberg lost for words for Verstappen: 'One of the greatest of all time'

17:40, 06 Sep
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Nico Rosberg reacted to Max Verstappen’s Q3 lap that secured pole position for the Italian Grand Prix ahead of tomorrow’s race.

At the very last attempt, Max Verstappen managed to spoil the party for Lando Norris and deny McLaren yet another front-row lockout this season.

The four-time world champion stopped the clock at 1:18.792, just 77 thousandths ahead of the Briton, who in turn finished in front of his teammate and title rival Oscar Piastri.

Max Verstappen at the Monza circuit
Max Verstappen at the Monza circuit.

Rosberg impressed with Verstappen's pole lap at Monza

Nico Rosberg was also impressed by the lap from the four-time world champion, who will start tomorrow’s race from the front of the grid.

''We know he is one of the five greatest F1 drivers of all time. Drives like today just prove that. It’s unbelievable what he’s able to do,'' the 2016 world champion told Sky Sports.

“I don’t think the car was worthy to be on pole position in that way but he just pulled out the magic in the last moment.''

“And especially in the last moment when the pressure is the highest, that is when he delivered phenomenally perfect laps.”

For Verstappen, it’s his fifth pole of the season—and the first since the British Grand Prix at Silverstone last July.

The Dutchman explained after qualifying what helped him edge out both McLarens and secure pole position.