“Checo” Pérez was eliminated in Q2 and Max Verstappen took pole in Imola

The classification of the Emilia Romanga Grand Prix was not what was expected for Sergio “Checo” Pérez who will be starting from 11th place in this Sunday’s race that will be led by his teammate in Red BullMax Verstappen, who added his eighth pole position, equaling the legendary Ayrton Senna.

The Mexican had a disastrous session this Saturday to the point of being eliminated in Q2 of the test. Once again an unfortunate strategy played against “Checo” Pérez who on his last lap started with used tires even though he was forced to lower his times. This decision ended up costing him dearly.

Unfortunately, the Red Bull driver climbed on top of the curbs at the Imola circuit, which is why he lost time in the first sector, a situation that he could not reverse, leaving him 15 thousandths away from being able to fight for pole position, where once again the The three-time world champion made himself known as the fastest of all.

After some free practice sessions in which Red Bull was not in tune, Max Verstappen got serious this Saturday and finished with the fastest lap by stopping the clock at 1:14.746 to thus add his eighth pole in a row, equaling the record of the legendary Brazilian Ayrton Senna who lost his life 30 years ago on this circuit.

The Dutchman was followed by the two McLaren drivers, the Australian Oscar Piastri, at 74 thousandths and the British Lando Norris at 91, demonstrating the parity that existed in the session that left the British team as the main rival that Max Verstappen will have in pursuit to get back to the top of the podium.

Let us remember that two weeks ago Lando Norris beat the Dutchman in the Miami Grand Prix, being the first victory in his career in Formula 1 and the second time that ‘MadMax’ did not finish first in the current F1 season after his surprise retirement at the Australian Grand Prix due to mechanical problems.

These first three places were followed by the duo of Ferrari drivers, composed of the Monegasque Charles Leclerc and the Spanish Carlos Sainz Jr., who could not make themselves felt in the home of the Italian team that this Sunday hopes to be able to improve its performance at the front. of his hobby.

Mercedes’ Briton George Russell, Visa Cash App RB’s Japanese Yuki Tsunoda, seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes), Australian Daniel Ricciardo (RB) and Haas’ Nico Hulkenger followed to complete the top 10. positions in the game.

The Emilia Romanga Grand Prix is ​​the seventh race on the calendar of the 2024 Formula 1 season and it must be remembered that last season it could not be carried out due to the floods that occurred in the town for the time it was scheduled. the race.

Keep reading:
– Sergio “Checo” Pérez received a $1,000 fine for speeding in free practice ahead of the Emilia Romanga Grand Prix
– “Checo” Pérez will pay tribute to Aytor Senna in Imola, where the Mexican will seek to get back on the podium
– How did Sergio “Checo” Pérez do in the Emilia Romanga Formula 1 Grand Prix?