Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has blamed Max Verstappen for George Russell missing out on pole position at the Italian Grand Prix. Russell appeared set to secure pole but his final flying lap was compromised when Verstappen slowed down in front of him and Kimi Antonelli. Wolff told Sky Sports F1 that Russell "got done over" by Verstappen during the final run, saying "it was just much too close, and that compromised the lap time eventually and that lost pole position." Russell confirmed the incident, stating Verstappen slammed on the brakes entering Parabolica because he did not want to be the lead car.

Despite the setback, Russell praised Antonelli's tow and called the situation "a little bit unfortunate." Alpine's Pierre Gasly ultimately snatched pole from Russell in one of the biggest qualifying shocks in F1 history.