Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix – Qualifying: Gasly’s feat, Hamilton surprised

After the single practice session on a track unused by F1 for 14 years, the drivers approach this qualifying session under a blue and sunny sky, yet with a crisp chill in the air.

With only 1 hour and 30 minutes of running, it seems that the softest tires in the range selected by Pirelli do not win unanimous support among the drivers.

Q1: Alfa Romeo and Haas out, Russell optimizes his Williams

Release of red tires for everyone, the softest in the Italian manufacturer’s catalog.

After the first timed laps and 10 minutes from the end, Hamilton’s Mercedes appears in the lead ahead of Verstappen and Leclerc. Gasly is just behind the Ferrari. Bottas had his time canceled after exceeding track limits. Albon, who absolutely needs to perform this weekend to save his place, remains in the 7th provisional time before being demoted for the same reason as Valtteri Bottas.

Vettel remains stuck in 10th place, one second behind his teammate.

Last lap underway and Vettel is playing with the 15th time before saving himself with a strong final sector. Ricciardo, after coming out late, is temporarily in 18th place and will need to secure himself on his last lap. The Williams and Alfa-Romeos are also in the elimination zone at this stage. Russell improves his time and secures Q2, as does Ricciardo. The two Haas drivers fall victim to the improvements of the other drivers.

Eliminated drivers: Giovinazzi, Latifi, Räikkönen, Magnussen, Grosjean

Q2: Verstappen just barely, Vettel again without Q3

The favorites take out the yellow tires and Vettel opts for the reds, visibly uncomfortable once again.

Quickly, Verstappen reports a loss of power over the radio and returns to the pits at a slow pace.

The Mercedes took the lead on medium tires ahead of Pierre Gasly by just 0.4 seconds, equipped with soft tires. Leclerc and Vettel are contending for 10th place. The Monegasque comes into the pit to switch to red tires at the risk of being eliminated.

Spin for Alexander Albon who resumes without damage but puts even more pressure on himself for the rest of the weekend.

Two minutes before the end of Q2, both Red Bulls remain in the elimination zone while Verstappen’s garage is buzzing as they try to make repairs. He goes back out with only one chance for a lap on yellow tires.

Stroll, Russell and Vettel are provisionally accompanying them in the elimination zone.

Temporary record in the first sector for the incredible Russell who continues his great effort but unfortunately will not be able to fight further.

Verstappen manages to restore the situation while Vettel falters again during these Q2. Stroll, Ocon, and Perez also stop at this stage. The Frenchman is once again defeated by his teammate who qualifies for Q3.

Drivers eliminated: Stroll, Vettel, Russell, Ocon, Perez

Q3: Bottas surprises Hamilton

First timing and the usual order is respected with Hamilton at 1:13.781, followed by Bottas and Verstappen. Gasly is right behind, less than 0.2 seconds away. Again, Albon’s time is canceled and he will have to put everything on the upcoming final attempt.

Leclerc temporarily completes the top 5 ahead of Norris, Kvyat, Ricciardo, Sainz, and Albon.

Last timed lap on this Imola track and nothing seems to be able to prevent Lewis Hamilton from securing another pole position, and yet.

First sector advantage for Bottas who manages to secure the fastest time, one-tenth ahead of Hamilton with a 1:13.609.

Verstappen finishes 3rd ahead of Pierre Gasly, who achieves his best qualifying. Albon’s Renault follows ahead of Albon, Leclerc, Kvyat, Norris, and Sainz.