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Motorsport.com

2026 Italian Grand Prix Qualifying 4 sources

Gasly beats Russell to shock Monza pole after chess win

First reported 1 month, 2 weeks ago · latest 1 month, 2 weeks ago

Pierre Gasly secured a surprise pole position for the Italian Grand Prix, beating George Russell by 0.060s. The Frenchman also beat Russell in an online chess game beforehand, adding to a remarkable weekend after his Monaco podium loss.

Pierre Gasly George Russell AlpineMercedes

How the sources differ

ESPN leads on the chess backstory, Motorsport.com details the qualifying shock, PlanetF1 focuses on Gasly's emotional reaction, BBC highlights the surprise element, and Sky Sports connects it to his Monaco 'robbery'.

Recommended first read: Motorsport.com provides the most complete account of the qualifying session, including the margin and context, and includes an image.

Gasly beats Russell to shock Monza pole after chess win

How the sources differ

Coverage

Checkmate then pole: Gasly beats Russell twice

From Chess.com to Monza pole: How Pierre Gasly beat George Russell twice in one afternoon

Pierre Gasly reacts to ‘not a nice situation’ with shock Monza pole

From chess to battle for pole, Gasly has Russell covered at Monza