- Car Performance: Verstappen might have a car that’s more suited to the characteristics of the Imola circuit compared to McLaren’s. If Red Bull Racing has developed a car that excels in high-speed corners or has better straight-line speed, it could give Verstappen the edge over McLaren’s drivers.
- Driver Skill: Verstappen is known for his exceptional driving skills, particularly in qualifying sessions where he often extracts the maximum performance from his car. His ability to push the limits of both himself and his car could give him an advantage over McLaren’s drivers, even if their cars are closely matched in terms of performance.
- Team Strategy: Red Bull Racing might have a better strategy in place for qualifying, including optimal setups, tire management, and timing of runs. If Verstappen’s team can capitalize on these factors better than McLaren, it could help him secure pole position.
- Track Familiarity: Verstappen may have a better understanding of the Imola circuit compared to McLaren’s drivers. If he can exploit every corner and braking zone to his advantage, it could give him the extra tenths of a second needed to beat McLaren to pole position.
- Weather Conditions: Weather can play a significant role in qualifying sessions, and if conditions favor Verstappen’s driving style or car setup more than McLaren’s, he could come out on top. Whether it’s rain, wind, or track temperature, Verstappen and his team might make better decisions to optimize their performance in challenging conditions.
- Qualifying Pace: Verstappen might simply have a better one-lap pace than McLaren’s drivers. If he can deliver a blistering lap when it matters most, he could secure pole position even if McLaren’s race pace is competitive.
- Technical Upgrades: Red Bull Racing might have introduced upgrades to their car that give them an edge over McLaren at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix. Whether it’s aerodynamic improvements, engine upgrades, or chassis enhancements, these technical upgrades could help Verstappen secure pole position.
Overall, a combination of car performance, driver skill, team strategy, track familiarity, weather conditions, qualifying pace, and technical upgrades could all contribute to Max Verstappen beating McLaren to pole position at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix.
On May 18, Max Verstappen, who had just tied Ayrton Senna’s record of eight consecutive pole positions in Formula One, paid homage to the famous driver by setting the fastest lap during the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix qualifying.
Senna’s record was established in 1988–89 with McLaren, and Verstappen—an additional three-time world champion in Formula One—began his streak at the end of the previous season in Abu Dhabi and is still unbeaten in 2024 qualifying.
Verstappen’s 39th career pole came on May 1, 1994, 30 years to the day after Formula One lost Senna, who finished with 65 poles, in a crash at the Italian circuit.
“This year is off to a fantastic start and is really exceptional. Thirty years have passed since his death, so in a way, winning the pole is a lovely remembrance for him, the Red Bull driver added.
“He was a phenomenal driver in Formula One, particularly during qualifying.”
Both he and the squad are having a fantastic day. I am incredibly thrilled.
Lando Norris of McLaren, who won the last race in Miami, was moved to the first row after Oscar Piastri, a teammate, was penalized three places for obstructing Kevin Magnussen of Haas, which dropped him to sixth.
At the Italian team’s home circuit, Charles Leclerc will start third and teammate Carlos Sainz fourth in an all-Ferrari second row.
Verstappen said that the past weekend has been “difficult.”
He continued, “I didn’t expect that (pole position).” Before qualifying, we made a few last-minute adjustments that seemed to improve the feel. I could exert more pressure.
“This song is amazing. To be near the gravel here in qualifying, just on the edge… I reached across to the last corner’s gravel.
“There’s a really high level of adrenaline.”
Even though Piastri acknowledged that the final turn was difficult, he was nonetheless pleased with the second.
The Australian commented, “It was pretty good, a little bit of a scruffy last corner, but here it’s so, so difficult to do a perfect lap.”
“Very happy indeed. Since we took the car on the track yesterday, I’ve been really at ease with it. Happy, but so, so near to the pole. I haven’t gone back up here in a little while.
Norris continued, “We are drawing nearer. It’s also a good outcome for us to be ahead of Ferrari.”
Having qualified fourth and sixth, respectively, for Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, Ferrari will be looking for an improvement on race day.
