Max Verstappen factor emerges after George Russell misses out on Italian GP pole

George Russell will start the Italian GP from second on the grid after missing out on pole position to Pierre Gasly, with Max Verstappen emerging as a factor in Mercedes' qualifying disappointment.

The Mercedes driver appeared to be in contention for pole at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza, but Gasly produced a superb final lap to claim the first pole of his Formula 1 career.

Russell's frustration was compounded by an incident involving Verstappen during the final runs, which Toto Wolff believes had a direct impact on his driver's lap time.

Toto Wolff points the finger at Max Verstappen

The Mercedes team principal felt Verstappen's actions caused the field to back up as the drivers prepared to begin their final attempts.

"Yeah, I think at the end," Wolff told Sky Sports F1. "Where he got done over by Max in the final run when launching the lap.

"It was just much too close, and that compromised the lap time eventually and that lost pole position."

Russell offered a more detailed account of what happened, claiming Verstappen braked heavily into Turn 11 rather than wanting to be the lead car.

"Everything was all looking fine but then going into Parabolica, Max just slammed on the brakes," Russell said. "And didn't want to be the lead car.

"In hindsight, it would probably have been better not trying this, but P2 is a good place to start."

The incident did not lead to an investigation, with Verstappen not being noted or summoned by the FIA.

As a result, the Red Bull driver will start Sunday's Italian GP from fifth, while Russell has to settle for second after Gasly's late qualifying effort denied Mercedes pole position.

For Russell, the outcome leaves him with a strong starting position, but Wolff's comments make clear that Mercedes believes Verstappen played a part in preventing them from taking the top spot.