Richard Parks Oscar Piastri secured a thrilling pole position at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, edging out Max Verstappen by just 0.034 seconds. The qualifying session, held at Imola on May 18, 2025, saw intense competition and unexpected setbacks for some top drivers.
Piastri’s teammate, Lando Norris, finished fourth, while Mercedes’ George Russell and Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso took third and fifth places respectively. The race promises high drama with a tightly packed front grid.
Two Major Crashes Interrupt Qualifying
Qualifying was twice halted due to serious crashes involving Yuki Tsunoda and rookie Franco Colapinto. Tsunoda lost control at the Villeneuve chicane, flipping his car and landing upside down. Remarkably, he escaped without injury, thanks to the car’s strong safety features.
Colapinto spun off at the Tamburello corner, hitting barriers hard but also walking away unharmed. Both drivers expressed deep disappointment over the incidents but praised the safety systems that protected them.
Ferrari Faces Setback as Leclerc and Hamilton Exit Early
Ferrari’s home race turned sour as Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton failed to advance beyond Q2, finishing 11th and 12th. Hamilton described the session as “gut-wrenching” and admitted he could not get more speed from his car.
This result continues Ferrari’s struggles this season, disappointing the passionate tifosi crowd gathered at Imola.
Senna’s Legacy Casts Shadow Over Imola
The qualifying drama unfolded on a circuit forever marked by Ayrton Senna’s tragic death in 1994. Memorials around the track honor the late champion, reminding fans and drivers alike of the risks inherent in Formula 1 racing.
Starting Grid and Penalties
- Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
- George Russell (Mercedes)
- Lando Norris (McLaren)
- Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)
- Carlos Sainz (Ferrari)
- Alexander Albon (Williams)
- Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)
- Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls)
- Pierre Gasly (Racing Bulls)
Yuki Tsunoda will start from the last grid position due to his crash. Franco Colapinto, though qualifying 15th, received a one-place grid penalty for an unsafe pit release. Both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc will have to fight their way up from the sixth row on race day.
With McLaren’s strong qualifying showing and Verstappen close behind, Sunday’s race at Imola is set for an exciting battle. Ferrari will need a solid strategy to recover in front of their home fans.