Max Verstappen takes EIGHTH consecutive pole to equal Ayrton Senna’s record on the same circuit that cost the legendary Brazilian driver his life 30 years ago
- Max Verstappen took pole position for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix
- This means the three-time world champion is on pole for the last eight races.
- McLaren duo Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris will line up in second and third position.
Max Verstappen claimed a record eighth consecutive pole position, tied with Ayrton Senna on the Imola track that cost the Brazilian legend his life 30 years ago.
The McLarens were quick in a tight qualifying session for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix – their two young drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri fought hard – but nothing could stop the Dutchman, whose the relentless progression towards a fourth consecutive world title continues apace. .
Senna, whose exploits are being celebrated at the venerable circuit this weekend, set the standard between his first pole at Jerez, Spain, in 1988, and his eighth at Phoenix, Arizona, in 1989. The star’s record of McLaren lasted 35 years, until today.
“It’s been 30 years since he passed away, so it’s very special and I’m very happy to get pole,” Verstappen said of his timely feat. “It’s a lovely memorial to him.
“He was an incredible F1 driver, especially in qualifying. A great day for me, a great day for the team. I’m very, very happy.
Max Verstappen took pole position for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix after qualifying
This means Verstappen (right) has been on pole for the last eight races in 2023 and 2024.
Verstappen equaled Ayrton Senna’s record at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix
Senna’s actions are being celebrated this weekend, 30 years after his tragic death
Norris finished second, 0.074 seconds behind his companion Max, with Piastri third, 0.091 seconds behind.
“Small margins,” said Norris, 24, winner for the first time in Miami a fortnight ago. “We can be satisfied with what we have done.”
Lewis Hamilton’s revamped Mercedes did him no favors as he qualified in a dismal eighth place, with teammate George Russell sixth. Hamilton was 0.758 seconds behind the leader and three tenths behind Russell. No corners were turned there.
The Ferraris will start on the local asphalt from fourth place thanks to Charles Leclerc and fifth thanks to Carlos Sainz.
Fernando Alonso has barely had a bad session in his long and distinguished career, but he barely had a reliable turn on the 3.05-mile track that day. He ran through the gravel in third practice, damaging the rear of his Aston Martin, then restarted in Q1, condemning himself to qualify in 19th place.
Verstappen finished ahead of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris (above), who will start second and third.
However, Verstappen’s Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez (right) will start the race in 11th place.
The two-time world champion was only spared the indignity of finding himself bottom of the last place on the grid by Logan Sargeant’s inability to keep his Williams between the white lines. The American saw his times deleted. This would be another nail in his coffin if the box wasn’t already sealed tightly.
The second Red Bull, of Sergio Perez, was eliminated in Q2. The Mexican’s disappointment once again highlighted just how much Verstappen adds to the sum of man and machine.
