Emilia Romagna GP Qualifying: Max Verstappen claims pole ahead of Charles Leclerc amid Imola chaos

Verstappen to start Saturday’s Sprint race in first; Mercedes pair Lewis Hamilton and George Russell knocked out in Q2

Max Verstappen claimed pole position in Emilia Romagna GP qualifying and will start at the front for Saturday’s Sprint after outpacing Charles Leclerc in a dramatic damp shootout that played host to five red flags.

An incident-packed qualifying – taking place on Friday instead of Saturday and setting the grid for the returning Sprint race – ran 40 minutes past its scheduled finish due to the many Imola stoppages and crashes, the last of which benefiting Verstappen in Q3 at an opportune moment.

The world champion had edged ahead of Leclerc through the opening laps of Q3 before a red flag, and just when the championship leader had a chance to hit back, Lando Norris crashed to cause another stoppage.

With just 40 seconds remaining in qualifying, that effectively secured Verstappen’s first pole of the season.

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Alex Albon’s tyre catches fire and explodes during qualifying for the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix

He will head the grid for Saturday’s Sprint, the shortened race that returns in 2022 after a debut three outings last year. The 21-lap race is live on Sky Sports F1 at 3.30pm on Saturday, and the winner will start on pole for Sunday’s Emilia Romagna GP.

What caused the five red flags?

Q1: Alex Albon, Williams – fire on rear right brake that led to tyre explosion before even setting a lap.

Q2: Carlos Sainz, Ferrari – crash at Rivazza after losing control of Ferrari, had gone second on first Q2 lap so advanced to Q3 but set to start Sprint from 10th.

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Valtteri Bottas pulls off the track and causes another red flag during qualifying of the Emilia-Romagna GP

Q3: Kevin Magnussen, Haas – one of many drivers to spin off at Acque Minerali, beached Haas in the gravel but managed to get out.

Q3: Valtteri Bottas, Alfa Romeo – stopped on the gravel with an issue that Alfa have yet to disclose.

Q3: Lando Norris, McLaren – crashed out in dying embers of Q3, which effectively secured Verstappen’s pole

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Kevin Magnussen spins off but saves his Haas from beaching in qualifying of the Emilia-Romagna GP

So, Verstappen has pole for the weekend?

Following complaints from drivers during the Sprints debut campaign last year, there has been a pole position clarification for 2022. Last year, the winner of the Sprint race was awarded pole for the record books, but pole is now being credited to the driver who sets the fastest time in Q3 in qualifying, as is usually the case on a weekend.

So Verstappen has pole, and will start at the front of the grid for Saturday’s Sprint.

However, the driver who wins the Sprint will start Sunday’s main Grand Prix from first, IE pole position.

More to follow.