8 consecutive pole positions, just like the record set three decades ago by Ayrton Senna. Max Verstappen achieved pole position number 7 of the season at the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola, the eighth in a row considering the one obtained at Yas Marina, the last race of 2023.
An unexpected pole, and it is impressive to write these words from a driver who has been dominating Formula 1 for almost 2 years in a row. Yet things, at least until the end of Free Practice 3, weren’t going so well.
Precisely between the last free practice session and Qualifying, Red Bull made the changes that, for Max, proved decisive. The RB20 seemed distantly related to the one that struggled to keep up with the pace of Ferrari and McLaren, so much so that it broke the 1’15” barrier and took pole in 1’14″746.
“It’s been a very difficult weekend so far and I’m really happy with the pole here because I didn’t expect it,” declared the Dutchman at the end of this afternoon’s qualifying. “But before qualifying we made some changes that made me feel better and I was able to push harder.”
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing RB20
Photo by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images
“This track, then, is truly incredible. Pushing to the limit here, close to the gravel, and I touched the gravel in the last corners, it really makes your heart beat and the adrenaline is very high”.
Verstappen then spoke about Senna’s record equaled today by the splendid pole achieved in Imola. A way of paying homage to the Brazilian champion who died on May 1, 1994 following injuries sustained in the Tamburello accident.
“It’s a great start to the year, but it’s also very special to equal Senna’s record on this very track, 30 years after his death. I’m very happy to have taken pole here. In some ways it’s a nice way to remember him Ayrton was an incredible driver, especially in qualifying. I’m very happy.”
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