Norris gets boost for championship hopes but has other concerns

Lando Norris has secured back-to-back pole positions for the first time in his Formula 1 career as he topped the field at Monza. Norris will form part of a McLaren one-two on the grid, as Oscar Piastri qualified in second. But they will not have their Red Bull Racing rival Max Verstappen breathing down his neck as the Dutchman could only manage P7 in qualifying.

But that doesn't take the pressure off the British driver. Norris is still concerned about the likes of Piastri, Russell and the Ferrari cars who will all be attacking going into the first corner.

"Another pole, which is amazing. To have two cars first and second when the field has been so tight is a nice surprise. It wasn't a great lap. We still got a pole which was a surprise. I'm very happy. There's lots of quick drivers so not expecting an easy race," Norris said after qualifying.

The field is tight, but changes have been made to the circuit since last year, so it's difficult to get a read of the race situation. The surface has changed and there's been some changes to the kerbs. This means Norris isn't resting. He was asked how he saw the race unfolding on Sunday.

"Lots of unknown and plenty of question marks," Norris replied. The young Brit will start from pole in Sunday's Italian Grand Prix. Lights go out at 14:00 BST.