Grand Prix d’Emilie-Romagne – Editor’s Top / Flop

The TOP 3

1. The soaring continues for Max Verstappen.

The Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix was an opportunity for Max Verstappen to set the record straight. The Dutchman was beaten for the first time on the track this season by the young Lando Norris on the California circuit. But that was without counting on his talent and his determination to win back his place as the winner. Even with a car that was more difficult to drive than usual, the Red Bull driver pushed through until the end and always maintained a certain lead for several laps and for a good part of the race. Max Verstappen is racking up wins race after race, now with 161 points in the championship.

2. Lando Norris never far away

Max Verstappen, although serene as he continues to rack up victories, still must pay attention to what is happening right next to him on the track. For the past few weekends, Lando Norris has emerged as the main rival to the Dutchman. Once again during the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, the McLaren driver managed to hold onto his second position throughout the race. With a fierce determination and a very threatening demeanor, Lando Norris was able to close the 7-second gap that separated him from Max Verstappen. No victory, certainly, but once again a strong performance demonstrated on this Italian track and above all, significant pressure that Red Bull has been increasingly facing lately. The driver who celebrated his very first victory in Miami is gaining points in the overall standings and is closely challenging Sergio Perez’s third position with 101 points and only a 6-point gap from the Mexican.

3. Charles Leclerc’s comeback

He was the quickest during the trials and once again finishes on the podium at the end of this Italian race in front of his home crowd. Charles Leclerc, starting third on the grid, went on to celebrate another podium by crossing the checkered flag in third place this Sunday. This weekend was mainly an opportunity for the Monegasque to once again secure some points. This has been achieved by the driver who, thanks to this podium, moved from third to second position in the overall standings of the 2024 drivers’ championship with 113 points, overtaking Sergio Perez. The Scuderia Ferrari driver had the opportunity to overtake Lando Norris but a slight off-track excursion leading him onto the grass prevented him from completing the pass. A crucial next meeting for the child from the Principality will take place on the Monaco circuit this Sunday, May 26.

« It is always very special to be on the podium here in Imola. But obviously, I never settle for a P3. You always want to be on the top step of the podium. But taking everything into account, I think we mainly missed an opportunity yesterday in qualifying. And that is something we will analyze. »

The Flop 3.

Alpine is still not doing well.

The Miami Grand Prix was promising, but unfortunately, it only lasted a short moment. Our two French drivers were unable to confirm during the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix this weekend. Despite rather encouraging qualifications earlier, Esteban Ocon, starting 12th on the grid, and Pierre Gasly, 15th on the grid, were unable to manage their strategy and especially their pace. A new average result and new difficulties for the French team. The two drivers finished respectively in 14th and 16th position. The Monaco meeting this Sunday could be an opportunity for Alpine to get back into the points and finally showcase their driving skills.

2. Alex Albon spoils his weekend over a wheel…

The Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix was the scene of an accident that we don’t like to see in the pits. It all started in F2, where Cordeel and Marti were the protagonists of this wheel loss in the pit lane. An accident that kept them away from the podium. Unfortunately, a few hours later, it was Williams driver Alex Albon’s turn to suffer the consequences. With a poorly attached front right tire during his very first pit stop, the Thai driver still went back on track. Realizing the team’s big mistake, Alex Albon ended up driving slowly on the circuit, even falling a full lap behind. The Williams driver also received a heavy 10-second penalty and eventually retired. More scared than hurt for everyone but a spoiled weekend and a scene we would like to avoid.

3. Bad weekend for Fernando Alonso

A difficult start to the weekend for Fernando Alonso who made a mistake during free practice 3. The Aston Martin driver completely missed his Italian weekend. Damaging his car, his team still did their best to repair the AMR24. But another scare came when he went off track at the first corner in Q1. Despite being strong last season, this year the double world champion has not had a good start to the season and finished in 19th position at this first European Grand Prix.