Max Verstappen dominates qualifying for the Imola GP and takes his seventh consecutive pole this season, equaling the legendary Ayrton Senna with his eighth consecutive pole overall.
Max Verstappen proves once again that he is a driver capable of making a difference when it counts. Despite concerns and appearances of uncertainty regarding Red Bull's performance during free practice, Verstappen managed to take pole position in the qualifying session of the Imola GP.
A pole not obtained without effort for the Dutchman, who had to fight against the competitive times of the two McLarens, particularly in form after the updates introduced in Miami. The British team's cars will complete the top 3 on the starting grid, with Oscar Piastri in second place and Norris in third. However, it should be noted that the result may vary if necessary a penalty for impeding imposed on Oscar Piastri was confirmed, reviewed by the stewards after the qualifying session.
A challenging pole for Max
Max's satisfaction with winning pole in Imola was confirmed by the microphones by Davide Valsecchi:
“The weekend has been really busy so far, including this morning. I'm extremely happy to have achieved pole position here; it was a surprise for me. Before qualifying we made some changes that made me feel more confident, allowing me to push as hard as I could. This track is simply incredible. Taking every curve at the limit, close to the gravel, accelerates the heart rate. The adrenaline is through the roof.
Matching Senna? It was an extraordinary start to the year, it's a special feeling to equal his record 30 years after his passing, especially on this track. I'm extremely proud to have taken pole here. It's in a way a touching way to pay homage to him; he was a real phenomenon, especially in the qualifying sessions. It was a great day for me and the whole team.”
Max Verstappen's pole at Imola was unexpected and significant for him. This is the seventh consecutive this season and the eighth overall if Abu Dhabi 2023 is taken into account. Verstappen thus equals Ayrton Senna's record, particularly present this weekend in Imola, on the thirtieth anniversary of his death.
“Teamwork” with Nico Hulkenberg
Despite the elimination of his teammate, Checo Perez, in Q2, Verstappen received unexpected help from another driver, Nico Hulkenberg. The Haas driver confessed to motorsport.com Türkiye that he favored Max by following him.
“Verstappen and I helped each other. Max gave me a great hand during Q2 and I returned the favor in Q3” admitted Hulkenberg after the session.
