Lewis Hamilton has accused Ferrari of the hold-up which saw he and six other drivers fail to make the start/finish line at the end of Q3.
Charles Leclerc scored pole by default at Monza after setting the quickest time initially in the top 10 shootout and then faced no threat as only he and Carlos Sainz crossed the line before the chequered flag dropped.
Still it means, Hamilton does line up second alongside the Monegasque and that was at least comfort to the five-time champion.
“Honestly, I have to be grateful I'm on the front row. We get to have a fight with the Ferraris tomorrow, we split them. It's a good position for us to be in,” he said after qualifying.
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“It's definitely a bit of an anti-climax that we couldn't all go out and do that last final lap that's one of the most exciting ones.
“It's crazy with these timings now we have, the system we have. Everyone backs up. Everyone tries to get in position."
It was then Hamilton pointed the blame firmly in Ferrari's court.
“They timed us out, they basically timed us out. Get pole position in the first run and just time everyone out," he stated.
Given the advantage of a slipstream around Monza, it needs a different approach as drivers try to sit close enough for the extra top speed while not being impacted in the corners.
Also, because Ferrari now holds the straight-line speed advantage over Mercedes, the team saw a tow as their best chance of trying to match or beat them.
“Definitely, on the out lap it is dangerous for us all,” Hamilton admitted. “There are people slowing down, you don't know who is alongside you. It is definitely a risky business out there.
“It's kind of enjoyable at the same time, but, of course, we're down on the Ferraris on the straight lines, so we in particular need it. Others also do. This new wing, the drag is much bigger this year.
“Honestly, just to be here on the front row. We can give them a good fight tomorrow.”
