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The Independent UK

Kieran Jackson

F1 news LIVE: Christian Horner sends dig McLaren’s way after Max Verstappen victory

Lewis Hamilton F1 Lando Norris Imola (Geopolitical Entity) Max Verstappen Ferrari Oscar Piastri Charles Leclerc George Russell Kieran Jackson

Max Verstappen’s brilliant opening-corner move on Oscar Piastri fired him to victory at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

The Dutchman clinched a fourth successive win at Imola in Red Bull’s 400th race to end championship leader Piastri’s three-race winning run after taking the lead at the first chicane.

FEATURE: Welcome to Maranello, Ferrari’s hometown where history weighs heavy on F1’s greatest team

Verstappen was in control of the race but had to see off a late challenge, after a safety car slashed his lead, to clinch his second win of the season.

McLaren opted not to order Piastri to allow Lando Norris past in a bid to challenge Verstappen but the British driver ultimately made a brave move on his team-mate with five laps to go to finish second. Piastri’s lead to Norris was cut to 13 points, with Verstappen now 22 points behind the Australian.

Follow live updates from the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix with The Independent

Lewis Hamilton ‘devastated’ after Ferrari qualifying failure at Imola GP

Yuki Tsunoda taken to F1 medical centre after car flips upside-down in huge crash at Imola GP qualifying

Welcome to Maranello, Ferrari’s hometown where history weighs heavy on F1’s greatest team

F1 EMILIA ROMAGNA GRAND PRIX - LATEST UPDATES

Max Verstappen wins the Emilia Romagna GP; Norris 2nd; Piastri 3rd
PASS! Norris swoops past George Russell for third place
OVERTAKE! Max Verstappen takes first place from Oscar Piastri at the start
Lewis Hamilton started down in P12
FEATURE: Welcome to Maranello, Ferrari’s hometown where history weighs heavy on F1’s greatest team

Christian Horner sends a dig McLaren’s way

19:52 , Kieran Jackson

“We were more surprised with McLaren’s lack of performance,” Horner added. “We got the car into a very good window yesterday, Max was certainly very positive about the balance and about being able to lean on the rear of the car.

That was certainly a positive. That carried into the race. We were just in a better-balanced window, which proved to be the case.

“To have the pace today, [for the first time] since Brazil last year – that’s the first time I can remember that we’ve had the pace to really pull away from the McLarens.”

Drivers' championship standings

19:30 , Mike Jones

After losing pole and slipping down the field, Oscar Piastri’s recovery drive ensured he finished third at Imola and is still on track in his pursuit of a first world championship.

Here are the standings:

1. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) - 146

2. Lando Norris (McLaren) - 133

3. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) - 124

4. George Russell (Mercedes) - 99

5. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) - 61

6. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) - 53

7. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) - 48

8. Alex Albon (Williams) - 40

9. Esteban Ocon (Haas) - 14

10. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) - 14

RACE REPORT: Max Verstappen’s race-winning overtake in Imola reminds McLaren of F1 title credentials

19:00 , Kieran Jackson

Brake too early at your peril.

That’s the thought pole-sitter Oscar Piastri will take to Bologna airport on Sunday night, seeing 10 points pass him by in his championship hunt.

The clear favourite to romp home to victory in the speedy McLaren, the championship leader endured a tough lesson in first-lap combat here under the stunning Imola sunshine.

Unambiguously, you do not leave a Red Bull-sized gap down the outside for a four-time world champion.

Verstappen’s race-winning overtake in Imola reminds McLaren of F1 title credentials

McLaren’s Andrea Stella on Verstappen:

18:30 , Mike Jones

“Fair play to Max, today he was very fast.

“We tried a few things... deviating with the strategy which didn’t pay off today.

“We won the race in Saudi in corner one... today it was the opposite. Two McLarens on the podium, strong for the constructors and good points for both drivers.”

Verstappen looks ahead of Monaco

18:15 , Mike Jones

"I like driving and racing in Formula 1, next week it’s a completely different kind of track in Monaco and that’s also going to be very challenging,” said Max Verstappen after his win at Imola.

“But for the moment I just want to enjoy today and take it in.

"It’s always fantastic to be in Italy, proper passion for motorsport so it’s fantastic to see all these fans out here the whole weekend, so thank you for coming."

Horner on Red Bull's victory

18:00 , Mike Jones

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said: “We managed to get the car into a window, the parts we brought worked.

“There was at no point in the race where he really looked under threat.

“That first stint was so long on the medium, that was what was particularly impressive and reassuring that we were able to have better deg than the McLarens in that first stint.”

Monaco Grand Prix timings

17:47 , Mike Jones

The next race is in Monaco and here are all the timings for next week’s grand prix:

Friday, May 23

FP1 – 12.30pm BST

FP2 – 4pm

Saturday, May 24

FP3 – 11.30am

Qualifying – 3pm

Sunday, May 25

Race – 2pm

Next up Monaco

17:26 , Mike Jones

Charles Leclerc isn’t happy in his Ferrari.

A sixth placed finish at Imola, having started 11th on the grid represents a decent race but the Monegasque wants to be challenging for titles.

After the grand prix in Italy he was asked if he had any hopes of performing well at the next race in Monaco (his home one) and his reply was telling.

“No.”

Norris on battle with Russell:

17:08 , Mike Jones

"I mean it was with George [Russell], and I could see he was struggling with his tyres, it's risky and you don't want to take too much risk.

“It's a situation you have to take advantage of. We are racing - but he is a good racer, a fair racer."

Time for the podium in Imola!

16:32 , Kieran Jackson

Verstappen basking under the Italian sun as the Dutch and Austrian national anthems play out in Imola!

Max Verstappen after claiming pole:

16:20 , Kieran Jackson

“The start itself wasn’t particularly great but I was still on the outside, on the normal line – and I just tried to send it around the outside, it worked really well!

“Then it unleashed our pace, car was good and could look after our tyres. I’m very pleased, the VSC was handy to pit.

“Our pace was very strong, the safety car on the restart, we managed really well, brought it home. Incredibly proud of everyone, car performed really well.”

Lando Norris after finishing P2:

16:09 , Kieran Jackson

Lando: “It was a long race, not easy to overtake. We did what we could, Max drove a good race – they were quick, probably a bit quicker.

“We had a battle between Oscar and myself, a bit tense – we’d love to be up fighting with Max but they were too quick.

Lewis Hamilton, who finished fourth:

15:52 , Kieran Jackson

“For the tifosi, that was for them.”

Verstappen:

15:45 , Kieran Jackson

“Brilliant weekend, that was a fantastic execution all round. Thank you very much, not bad for our 400th race. Well done everyone, that was a very strong Saturday and Sunday!”

Max Veratappen wins the Emilia Romagna GP!

15:37 , Kieran Jackson

It’s a stunning win for Max Verstappen, who wins by over six seconds - his 65th win in Red Bull’s 400th race!

Lando Norris finishes second, with Oscar Piastri in third!

4-10: Hamilton, Albon, Leclerc, Russell, Sainz, Hadjar, Tsunoda

Alex Albon in the gravel! (Lap 60/63)

15:33 , Kieran Jackson

The Williams tries to overtake Leclerc but he can’t get it done, enters the gravel, and rejoins behind Hamilton!

A lap later, Hamilton takes fourth place from Leclerc on superior tyres!

Verstappen now six seconds clear of Norris...

Lando Norris passes Oscar Piastri! (Lap 58/63)

15:28 , Kieran Jackson

Norris gets it done!

Heading into Tamburello, the Brit has superior speed and passes the Australian!

Verstappen is already five seconds clear of Norris... but that should be P2 for the Brit!

Max Verstappen keeps his lead! (Lap 55/63)

15:25 , Kieran Jackson

And not only does he keep it, he’s outside DRS range to Piastri already!

It’s a two-second lead after the first racing lap!

McLaren have kept Piastri in P2 for now...

Leclerc working hard to keep Albon behind him too...

Safety car in this lap! (Lap 53/63)

15:21

Here we go then.... can Max Verstappen hold the lead at the restart?

And what will McLaren do?

TOP-10 AT END OF SAFETY CAR PERIOD

15:17 , Kieran Jackson

Verstappen; Piastri; Norris; Leclerc; Albon; Russell; Hamilton; Sainz; Hadjar; Hulkenberg

Norris asking to overtake Piastri! (Lap 50/63)

15:16 , Kieran Jackson

Norris says over team radio that McLaren should let him by in second place given his fresher tyres...

Charles Leclerc, in fourth:

15:15 , Kieran Jackson

“I’m not being pessmistic but these tyres are going to be incredibly difficult to restart.”

TOP-10 AT END OF SAFETY CAR PERIOD

15:11 , Kieran Jackson

Verstappen; Piastri; Norris; Leclerc; Albon; Russell; Hamilton; Sainz; Hadjar; Hulkenberg

But Verstappen’s massive lead has now gone!

Max Verstappen pits! (Lap 47/63)

15:09 , Kieran Jackson

Verstappen has a free pit-stop, 2.1 seconds, and stays in front.

Norris heads in but Piastri stays out!

Piastri takes P2 with Norris in P3 but on fresher tyres.

Leclerc is told he can’t come in to pit as they don’t have a tyre which will take them to the end...

Antonenlli has an issue!

15:07 , Kieran Jackson

The teenager has stopped a the side of the track - and it’s a full safety car!

Antonelli: “I’ve got an issue.”

Will this change things at all?

Oscar Piastri passes Alex Albon for P3! (Lap 40/63)

14:59 , Kieran Jackson

Inevitable.

Dreams of an Alex Albon podium slip away as Oscar Piastri comfortably gets the move done at the end of the main straight!

Piastri back into the top-3 - but is 13 seconds behind his teammate Norris.

Hamilton passes Hadjar! (Lap 36/63)

14:55 , Kieran Jackson

Hamilton gets another pass done, this time on Hadjar, at the first chicane!

Engineer: “P5, great job.”

Hamilton: “Yeah I had to use a lot of tyres to get past those two.”

Lewis Hamilton up to P6! (Lap 35/63)

14:53 , Kieran Jackson

Hamilton surges down the outside of the first chicane to pass home hero Antonelli and take sixth place!

At the front, Verstappen’s lead to Norris has gone down slightly to 18 seconds...

Oscar Piastri pits too (Lap 31/63)

14:47

Oh wow, Piastri is coming in for his second pit-stop too!

He drops from second to fourth.

Green flag conditions again - and Verstappen has a 21-second lead to Norris!

Top-10: Verstappen, Norris, Albon, Piastri, Hadjar, Antonelli, Hamilton, Alonso, Stroll, Leclerc

Virtual safety car! (Lap 29/63)

14:44 , Kieran Jackson

This is a dream for those yet to stop!

Esteban Ocon has stopped on the grass on the exit of turn 6!

Verstappen pits - 2.3 seconds - and comes out with a 21-second lead to Piastri!

Hamilton also pits...

Piastri passes Hadjar! (Lap 28/63)

14:43 , Kieran Jackson

The Australian up to P4 with a move down the main straight and into the first chicane!

Alex Albon, in third, is seven seconds down the road.

1-10: Verstappen, Norris, Albon, Piastri, Hadjar, Antonelli, Hamilton, Leclerc, Hulkenberg, Bearman

Oscar Piastri passes Lewis Hamilton! (Lap 27/63)

14:41 , Kieran Jackson

Piastri is slowly but surely making his way through the pack... but it’s killing his tyres and Verstappen has a 30-plus second lead to the Australian.

Piastri gets past Hamilton now... Antonelli soon follows.

Piastri up to P5.

Lewis Hamilton on team radio (Lap 23/63)

14:36

Hamilton: “Can we undercut these guys?”

Engineer: “We don’t think it’s worth it, not ruling out plan C.”

Hamilton: “Understood.”

Meanwhile, Piastri takes Hulkenberg for P7 - all of the top-six are yet to pit.

Top-10: Verstappen, Norris, Albon, Hadjar, Antonelli, Hamilton, Piastri, Hulkenberg, Leclerc, Bearman

Russell is down in P12... way behind Leclerc who started eight places behind him!

Piastri passes Tsunoda (Lap 18/63)

14:30 , Kieran Jackson

Super move from Piastri, around the outside of the first chicane to get ahead of Verstappen’s teammate!

Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton is now sixth but is yet to pit.

Top-10: Verstappen, Norris, Albon, Hadjar, Antonelli, Hamilton, Hulkenberg, Piastri, Colapinto, Bearman

Leclerc P12; Russell P13.

Max Verstappen opting not to pit! (Lap 17/63)

14:28

Verstappen has decided not to cover Piastri and is staying out... for now!

Piastri is now looking to overtake Verstappen’s teammate Yuki Tsunoda for P10...

Oscar Piastri pits! (Lap 14/63)

14:23 , Kieran Jackson

A 3.6-second pit-stop for the pole-sitter, and he comes out in P12!

Max Verstappen now has a 10-second lead to Lando Norris in second, with Alex Albon up to third!

The order all over the place at the moment, given the pit-stops!

Charles Leclerc pits too! (Lap 12/63)

14:21 , Kieran Jackson

Leclerc pits from the top-10 and drops to P17... will this be a two-stop race?

Meanwhile, Piastri on team radio: “Plan A is very ambitious at the moment.”

Presumably that’s a one-stop...

Norris takes third place (Lap 11/63)

14:20 , Kieran Jackson

Norris gets is done for third place!

The McLaren has superior speed heading into the Villeneuve chicane and swoops into the top-3!

Russell pits a lap later... and drops to 16th.

Lando Norris eyeing a move on George Russell!

14:17

Norris has DRS and is on the gearbox of Russell in P3 - but it’s a tricky track to overtake at! Russell is defending well... for now.

“I’m not sure how I’m going to make the target lap time for the tyres pushing like this,” says Russell.

Max Verstappen maintains 1.5 second lead (Lap 8/63)

14:13 , Kieran Jackson

Impressive stuff from Verstappen, so far.

Having taken the lead, he has kept out of the DRS window to Piastri and has a lead of 1.5 seconds.

Russell is 2.5 seconds further back, but does have Lando Norris on his gearbox with DRS. Where is an overtake possible?

5-10: Alonso, Sainz, Albon, Stroll, Leclerc, Hadjar

TOP-10 AFTER 5 LAPS:

14:11 , Kieran Jackson

1. Max Verstappen

2. Oscar Piastri

3. George Russell

4. Lando Norris

5. Fernando Alonso

6. Carlos Sainz

7. Alex Albon

8. Lance Stroll

9. Charles Leclerc

10, Isack Hadjar

Antonelli P11; Hamilton P12

Pierre Gasly goes off!

14:09 , Kieran Jackson

Gasly, starting in 10th, is forced into the gravel in battle with Leclerc and drops four places!

Verstappen has a 1.6 second lead to Piastri - terrific opening from the Red Bull driver!

Max Verstappen takes the lead!

14:05 , Kieran Jackson

Oh it’s a sensational move from Max Verstappen!

The Dutchman swerves around the outside of the first chicane to take first place from Oscar Piastri!

George Russell got a great start but stays in P3, with Lando Norris in fourth!

Lewis Hamilton has dropped a spot to 13th!

Formation lap!

14:01 , Kieran Jackson

Piastri leads the 19-car pack around for the formation lap at what is a very short circuit in Imola!

The top-11 are on medium tyres, with Lewis Hamilton and Kimi Antonelli on hard tyres.

Yuki Tsunoda starts in the pit-lane.

Here we go then!

A reminder of the starting grid:

13:58 , Kieran Jackson

1. Oscar Piastri

2. Max Verstappen

3. George Russell

4. Lando Norris

5. Fernando Alonso

6. Carlos Sainz

7. Alex Albon

8. Lance Stroll

9. Isack Hadjar

10. Pierre Gasly

11. Charles Leclerc

12. Lewis Hamilton

13. Kimi Antonelli

14. Gabriel Bortoleto

15. Liam Lawson

16. Franco Colapinto*

17. Nico Hulkenberg

18. Esteban Ocon

19. Ollie Bearman

Pit lane. Yuki Tsunoda

*Franco Colapinto received a one-place grid penalty for an infringement in qualifying

Time for the Emilia Romagna GP!

13:57 , Kieran Jackson

Here we go then - it’s time for race seven of the 2025 season here in Imola!

Oscar Piastri, the championship leader, starts on pole position with defending champion Max Verstappen in second. George Russell is in P3, with Lando Norris in P4.

It’s a long-run down to the first chicane here - will we have any movement at the front of the pack?!

And what can Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari do from P12? We’re about to find out!

Alex Albon's car fixed!

13:55 , Kieran Jackson

The Williams had a leak in his car about an hour ago but the Williams mechanics have fixed the issue.

He’ll start the race as planned in P7!

Brazil legend Ronaldo on the grid in Imola!

13:52 , Kieran Jackson

"I remember you many times" 😲

"No, you don't!" 😆

Two legends on the Imola grid: Ted and Ronaldo! ⚽️🏎️ pic.twitter.com/BrILzIIdn7
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) May 18, 2025

Time for the Italian national anthem!

13:45 , Kieran Jackson

One of the great national anthems of the world being played in Imola!

Ferrari legend Jean Alesi, on rumours this will be the last race at Imola:

13:42

There is a lot of rumours, important to understand the drivers - they love this place.

“Hopefully it'll continue.”

McLaren boss Zak Brown:

13:40 , Kieran Jackson

“Oscar is very prepared, he’s got his gameplan, so does Lando - I think it’ll be a great race, I like our chances.

“I think it’s a one-stop race, but we’ll have to see - we’re prepared for both.”

Piastri P1; Norris P4.

Imola GP preview: Meet the brain behind McLaren’s F1 rocketship – with rivals playing catch-up in Imola

13:36 , Kieran Jackson

On a weekend where fanatical home supporters will bask under the Imola sunshine on the hills surrounding this gloriously old-school circuit, desperate to see their beloved Ferrari outfit turn a corner, it is in fact an Italian donning papaya who is brimming with glee amid his team’s current dominance of Formula One.

Andrea Stella, the ex-Ferrari engineer now thriving in his role as McLaren team principal, is usually talkative. A deeply respected presence in the paddock, the 54-year-old is candid and uninhibited in his analysis and opinions. Friday’s FIA press conference was no different.

Full preview below:

Meet the brain behind McLaren’s F1 rocketship – with rivals playing catch-up in Imola

State of play in the drivers' championship heading into this race!

13:30 , Kieran Jackson

1. Oscar Piastri – 131 points

2. Lando Norris – 115 points

3. Max Verstappen – 99 points

4. George Russell – 93 points

5. Charles Leclerc – 53 points

6. Kimi Antonelli – 48 points

7. Lewis Hamilton – 41 points

8. Alex Albon – 30 points

9. Esteban Ocon – 14 points

10. Lance Stroll – 14 points

11. Yuki Tsunoda – 9 points

12. Pierre Gasly – 7 points

13. Carlos Sainz – 7 points

14. Nico Hulkenberg – 6 points

15. Ollie Bearman – 6 points

16. Isack Hadjar – 5 points

17. Fernando Alonso – 0 points

18. Liam Lawson – 0 points

19. Jack Doohan – 0 points

20. Gabriel Bortoleto – 0 points

Drivers parade!

13:22 , Kieran Jackson

Here are some shots of the drivers' parade in Imola earlier!

FEATURE: Welcome to Maranello, Ferrari’s hometown where history weighs heavy on F1’s greatest team

13:15 , Kieran Jackson

Ahead of Ferrari’s home race in Imola, I spent a day in Maranello, the famous prancing horse emblem at every turn, dissecting the prestige of the Italian marque in contrast to the flaws of the present-day F1 team:

Read below:

Welcome to Maranello, Ferrari’s hometown where their glorious history weighs heavy

Lando Norris steps away from social media

13:07 , Kieran Jackson

“Yeah, I’ve not been on social media for a few weeks now,” Norris said at Imola.

“It’s just not something I enjoy. I don’t need to, it’s my life, I can do what I like.

“I enjoy not going on my phone as much as I used to. I mean, I still use my phone and I am still texting my friends, all these things.

“But I just see social media, from my perspective, more of a waste of my time and energy and I just don’t need that, don’t want it.”

Lando Norris has turned away from social media (David Davies/PA) (PA Wire)

Lewis Hamilton ‘devastated’ after Ferrari qualifying failure at Imola GP

12:59 , Kieran Jackson

Lewis Hamilton admitted he was “devastated” after suffering another blow in his first season at Ferrari, who suffered a new low in a captivating qualifying session at the Emilia Romagna GP.

Hamilton, who admitted this week he wasn’t expecting his first season at Ferrari to be so “tough”, and teammate Charles Leclerc missed the opportunity to fight for pole in Imola, with both drivers knocked out of contention in Q2.

The pair will start alongside each other on the grid for Sunday’s race, with Leclerc a place ahead in 11th and Hamilton in 12th.

Full report below:

Lewis Hamilton ‘devastated’ after Ferrari qualifying failure at Imola GP

WATCH: Kimi Antonelli's reaction to Lewis Hamilton's message in Mercedes motorhome

12:52 , Kieran Jackson

When leaving Mercedes last season, Hamilton left a handwritten note for his replacement in the Mercedes motorhome.

At the first European race of the season, the 18-year-old read the private note for the first time!

Here's the state of play in the constructors' championship!

12:45 , Kieran Jackson

1. McLaren - 246 points

2. Mercedes - 141 points

3. Red Bull - 105 points

4. Ferrari - 94 points

5. Williams - 37 points

6. Haas - 20 points

7. Aston Martin - 14 points

8. Racing Bulls - 8 points

9. Alpine - 7 points

10. Sauber - 6 points

What is the starting grid?

12:15 , Kieran Jackson

1. Oscar Piastri

2. Max Verstappen

3. George Russell

4. Lando Norris

5. Fernando Alonso

6. Carlos Sainz

7. Alex Albon

8. Lance Stroll

9. Isack Hadjar

10. Pierre Gasly

11. Charles Leclerc

12. Lewis Hamilton

13. Kimi Antonelli

14. Gabriel Bortoleto

15. Liam Lawson

16. Franco Colapinto*

17. Nico Hulkenberg

18. Esteban Ocon

19. Ollie Bearman

Pit lane. Yuki Tsunoda

*Franco Colapinto received a one-place grid penalty for an infringement in qualifying

Lewis Hamilton ‘devastated’ after Ferrari qualifying failure at Imola GP

12:00 , Mike Jones

Lewis Hamilton was “devastated” after suffering another blow in his first season at Ferrari during a captivating qualifying session at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix on Saturday.

The pair will start alongside each other on the grid for Sunday’s race, with Leclerc a place ahead in 11th and Hamilton in 12th.

Lewis Hamilton ‘devastated’ after Ferrari qualifying failure at Imola GP

NEW: Yuki Tsunoda starts in pit-lane

11:30 , Kieran Jackson

Inevitably, the Red Bull driver will start in the pits after his massive crash yesterday, with his car needing a massive rebuild job overnight.

A new chassis and new engine for Tsunoda.

Yuki Tsunoda suffered a massive crash in qualifying (F1 TV)

Lewis Hamilton after qualifying 12th:

11:01 , Mike Jones

“Tough one, tough one,” said Hamilton, who has only managed one top-five finish in the first six races of the season.

“Ultimately, I feel super gutted, devastated, that we weren’t able to get through. I really feel we’ve made many positive steps over the weekend.

“When we put the new tyres on, we didn’t have any more grip, couldn’t go any faster, everyone else managed to switch on the tyres.

“To be in front of the Italian fans, first time for Ferrari, to not manage to get to Q3 is bittersweet.”

Lando Norris admits he's making too many mistakes

10:02 , Mike Jones

After finishing P4 in qualifying, Norris said: "I made a lot of mistakes, it is just never good enough in my final lap in qualifying.

"Everyone always goes quicker, and I go slower, so it is just not good enough. [There is nothing wrong] with the car, it is on pole and the best car on track.

"I am not just going to blame the car, it is on me. I've felt good all weekend, I felt good in Q1 and Q2, and I felt like there was lap time available.

"But when I try to go for the lap time, it just doesn't go. A lot of things have changed from last year, and in my whole career, qualifying has been my biggest strength by a long way.

"But this year, it is just not coming my way, and I think we understand the reasons why, but of course, I am not going to be the happiest about it, because I want to be fighting for pole, and things are not going the way they should.”

Haas ask for clarification on Bearman's lap time deletion

09:51 , Mike Jones

Haas have enquired with the FIA about their decision regarding Ollie Bearman’s final Q1 lap.

They hope for written clarification from race control over his lap time which was controversially deleted following a red flag after Franco Colapinto crashed.

Haas said: “After discussions last night with the FIA, we have subsequently asked for further written clarification on the decision making concerning Ollie Bearman’s final Q1 lap in order for us to review more comprehensively.

“We similarly asked what measures the FIA / Race Control can put in place moving forward to ensure that this situation is avoided in the future to the benefit of F1. Upon review we will be more informed to comment.”

Yuki Tsunoda taken to F1 medical centre after car flips upside-down in huge crash at Imola GP qualifying

09:03 , Kieran Jackson

Yuki Tsunoda has been taken to the Imola circuit’s medical centre after suffering a massive crash at the start of qualifying at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

The Japanese driver, at the start of his first flying lap in Q1, lost control of his car heading into the turn 5-6 chicane.

Tsunoda’s Red Bull car spun violently into the gravel before flipping into the catch fencing and barrier.

The 25-year-old walked away from the scene of the crash, but was taken to the medical centre for checks.

Yuki Tsunoda taken to F1 medical centre after car flips upside-down in huge crash

Max Verstappen after qualifying P2:

06:01 , Kieran Jackson

“The softest compound is difficult to keep them alive, tiny margins. George set his lap on a medium. Maybe they’re a bit too soft for this track.

“I felt happier on the mediums, the race is tomorrow and that’s where we score the points, I do think today was very good for us.

“I hope we pick up a bit of pace.”

FULL STARTING GRID:

05:01 , Kieran Jackson

1. Oscar Piastri

2. Max Verstappen

3. George Russell

4. Lando Norris

5. Fernando Alonso

6. Carlos Sainz

7. Alex Albon

8. Lance Stroll

9. Isack Hadjar

10. Pierre Gasly

11. Charles Leclerc

12. Lewis Hamilton

13. Kimi Antonelli

14. Gabriel Bortoleto

15. Liam Lawson

16. Franco Colapinto*

17. Nico Hulkenberg

18. Esteban Ocon

19. Ollie Bearman

20. Yuki Tsunoda

*Franco Colapinto received a one-place grid penalty for an infringement in qualifying

Max Verstappen responds to Christian Horner 'sack' rumours

04:01 , Kieran Jackson

“Honestly, I have no idea where they come from, to be honest,” the Dutchman told F1 TV on Thursday.

“Naturally, I don’t really follow a lot of that all.

“So people ask me questions as well about that and I’m like, ‘honestly, I really don’t know who even puts that in the world’.”

Lando Norris not worried about championship standings despite early deficit

02:02 , Kieran Jackson

Asked if he was thinking about the title standings, Norris said: “No, is the answer. I don’t care about it and won’t think about it. It is easy for things to change.

“Also Red Bull are not far behind, Mercedes are not far behind so they are doing a good job. But we (McLaren) are doing a better job.

“Every race is important and yes we know they have upgrades and they talk a lot but at the end of the day we need to just do a good job on Sunday.

“If we keep focusing on ourselves then we will be fine.”

Lando Norris, left, trails his team-mate Oscar Piastri by 16 points in the championship standings (Antonio Calanni/AP) (AP)

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff absent from Imola GP for touching personal reason

01:02 , Kieran Jackson

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff will be absent from the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix due to his son graduating from college this weekend.

Wolff’s 23-year-old eldest son Benedict, one of his children from his previous marriage, is graduating from the University of Southern California and the Austrian executive has decided to stay in the United States.

Mercedes team representative Bradley Lord, Wolff’s long-term right-hand man, will take on the Austrian’s duties in the garage and with the press.

Lewis Hamilton in honest self-reflection in media day on Thursday:

Sunday 18 May 2025 00:02 , Kieran Jackson

One top-five finish, seventh in the championship - it’s not been the start to the season desired for Lewis Hamilton.

"I anticipated it would be very tough, because I've joined a team before,” Hamilton said, referencing his move from McLaren to Mercedes in 2013, in his session with the written press at Imola on Thursday.

"I came in with a really open mind. I didn't know how tough it was going to be. I knew it was going to be challenging.

“It's as challenging as it could ever be. On all fronts."

George Russell after qualifying P3:

Saturday 17 May 2025 22:59 , Kieran Jackson

“We were going for it, we thought the medium tyre would be a fast one - a good choice. A small compromise for tomorrow but worth it to be in the top-three.

“It was very challenging, really happy with P3 - couldn’t have achieved much more today. We want to get back on the podium tomorrow.”

Max Verstappen's reaction when seeing Yuki Tsunoda's crash:

Saturday 17 May 2025 22:01 , Kieran Jackson

Verstappen: “Jesus, is he really OK?”

Charles Leclerc after qualifying P11:

Saturday 17 May 2025 21:02 , Kieran Jackson

“You can always do a bit more with a lap, but we are just nowhere at the moment,” Leclerc said.

“There’s not enough performance in the car, I keep repeating myself. We need to be better.

“Very hard [for the race], I can fight as much as I want but I cannot do miracles. This is what there is in the car, I’m trying to extract the maximum out of it.”

Lando Norris admits he's making too many mistakes

Saturday 17 May 2025 20:01 , Kieran Jackson

After finishing P4 in qualifying, Norris said: "I made a lot of mistakes, it is just never good enough in my final lap in qualifying," Norris said.

"Everyone always goes quicker, and I go slower, so it is just not good enough. [There is nothing wrong] with the car, it is on pole and the best car on track.

"I am not just going to blame the car, it is on me. I've felt good all weekend, I felt good in Q1 and Q2, and I felt like there was lap time available.

"But when I try to go for the lap time, it just doesn't go. A lot of things have changed from last year, and in my whole career, qualifying has been my biggest strength by a long way.