Verstappen hails last-minute set-up changes.
Max Verstappen has admitted that pole position was far from his thinking after a “really difficult” start to the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix weekend, with the Dutchman and Red Bull staging an impressive fightback in qualifying.
Verstappen ended Friday’s running only seventh on the timesheets after several off-track excursions, angry radio messages and a run-in with former title rival Lewis Hamilton – describing Red Bull as “severely off pace”. However, after some more learnings in final practice, Verstappen and Red Bull returned to form during qualifying as the reigning world champion stormed to pole ahead of McLaren pair Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris.
Speaking after qualifying, Verstappen said: “It was a really rewarding pole today and everything ended up coming together for qualifying. This weekend has been tough and we have been lacking pace and balance within the car, however we kept on working at it and trying to improve. When we went into qualifying, the balance of the car felt a lot better, so it was a great turnaround. Honestly it is just a fantastic track and I wish we had more of those on the calendar. It felt unbelievable to drive a qualifying lap here; there are a few old school tracks that we have remaining on the calendar which are really exciting and what I fell in ove with when I started watching and racing in Formula One. McLaren is looking strong but with the changes that we made on the car, it should be better for the race tomorrow. I feel a little less prepared than I would like to be going into the race and we don’t expect it to be easy, but we are going to give it a good go. It is special and a proud moment to receive eight poles in a row, especially as we have been having a tough weekend. It was a whole team effort but we managed to bring it together today. Very happy!"
Verstappen was then asked about writing more F1 history as he drew level with Ayrton Senna’s record of eight successive poles on the 30th anniversary weekend of the Brazilian’s passing in an accident at Imola.
In addition to topping all seven qualifying sessions so far this year, Verstappen also secured the top qualifying spot at last year’s season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, meaning he equals Senna’s tally set across the 1988 and 1989 campaigns. “Of course it’s a great start to the year, but also very special… It’s 30 years since he passed away at this track, so I’m very pleased to get pole here, and in a way it’s a nice memory to him,” said Verstappen.
“He was an incredible F1 driver, especially in qualifying laps as well. A great day for me, a great day for the team, so I’m very, very happy.”
IMOLA, ITALY - MAY 17: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing prepares to drive in the garage during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Emilia-Romagna at Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari Circuit on May 17, 2024 in Imola, Italy. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202405170568 // Usage for editorial use only //
IMOLA, ITALY - MAY 17: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB20 on track during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Emilia-Romagna at Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari Circuit on May 17, 2024 in Imola, Italy. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202405170733 // Usage for editorial use only //