Qualifying for the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix at Imola on Saturday combined thrilling speed with dramatic crashes. Oscar Piastri claimed pole position for McLaren, narrowly beating Max Verstappen by 0.034 seconds. However, the session was interrupted twice due to violent accidents involving Yuki Tsunoda and Alpine newcomer Franco Colapinto.
Tsunoda’s Severe Crash Raises Safety Concerns
During Q1, Yuki Tsunoda lost control at the Villeneuve chicane. His car clipped the kerb, became airborne, then spun into the barriers, flipping upside down. The crash was alarming enough for Red Bull’s Verstappen to say, “I saw the replay and thought, ‘Is he really OK?’” Fortunately, Tsunoda escaped without injury, thanks to the halo device and reinforced safety cell. He later expressed feeling “ashamed and disappointed” for letting his team down.
Colapinto Spins and Hits Barrier on Debut
Shortly after qualifying resumed, Alpine rookie Franco Colapinto spun exiting Tamburello corner. He crashed front-first into the barrier at high speed but avoided injury. Despite placing 15th, Colapinto received a one-place grid penalty for an unsafe release before the session restart.
Ferrari Struggles at Home, Hamilton Shows Disappointment
Ferrari’s hopes of a strong qualifying on home ground faded early. Both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton were eliminated in Q1, placing 11th and 12th. Hamilton admitted his frustration: “Definitely devastated… The car felt good, but we just couldn’t go quicker.”
McLaren’s Piastri Holds Off Verstappen for Pole
As the track dried, lap times improved. Piastri clocked a 1:14.670 to hold off Verstappen, despite the Red Bull driver’s strong sector one times. George Russell secured third for Mercedes, followed by McLaren’s Lando Norris, Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso, and Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz.
Full Top 10 Starting Grid for Sunday’s Race
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Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
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Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
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George Russell (Mercedes)
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Lando Norris (McLaren)
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Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)
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Carlos Sainz (Ferrari)
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Alex Albon (Williams)
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Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)
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Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls)
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Pierre Gasly (Racing Bulls)
Notably, Colapinto starts 16th after his penalty, and Tsunoda will race from 20th following his crash.
Senna’s Legacy Still Looms at Imola
Imola’s history remains deeply linked to Ayrton Senna’s tragic 1994 accident. Thousands visited his memorial this weekend, reminding fans and drivers of Formula 1’s risks, made vivid by today’s intense crashes.
Despite chaos in qualifying, the stage is set for a thrilling Emilia-Romagna GP. McLaren’s Piastri leads the pack, while Ferrari will aim to recover on home soil. Fans can expect an unpredictable battle when the lights go out Sunday.