Verstappen relief after "hectic" Imola pole

Max Verstappen described Emilia Romagna Grand Prix qualifying as "hectic" after denying F1 championship rival Charles Leclerc pole position on Ferrari's home turf.

The reigning world champion ducked between five red-flag interruptions to clinch top spot on the grid for Saturday's 100km sprint, an upset given the Scuderia's pace leading up to Q3.

Whilst three of the five stoppages were caused by off-track excursions for Carlos Sainz, Kevin Magnussen and Lando Norris, countless other drivers ran across the gravel and grass lining the punishing Imola layout.

The session was further complicated by changeable conditions, with the track initially drying before the rain returned to complicate matters after Sainz's crash in Q2.

Assessing his session, Verstappen said: "It was tricky out there - dry then the rain.

"It was very slippery to also get the tyre temps to work. It was hectic, a long qualifying.

"In the end, happy to be here. It is an amazing track and it also really punishes you if you make a mistake, you can go in the wall. That is what we like to make it really hard and difficult.

"But really pleased with pole position."

On his weekend prospects, Verstappen added: "We know tomorrow and Sunday will be a bit different in terms of weather conditions but at least it is a good start to the weekend."

Related

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

Christian Horner and the dream plan to make Williams F1 winners again

• 29 minutes ago

Max Verstappen jet tracker account under fire for pregnancy poll

• 1 hour ago

Max Verstappen hails driver who could stop him moving to McLaren

• 2 hours ago

F1 News Today: Christian Horner's wild prediction hits as Red Bull get Lambiase replacement

• 2 hours ago

Lewis Hamilton will never win another F1 title - and that's okay

• 3 hours ago

F1 stars hail Red Bull's new Helmut Marko after surprise Mercedes exit

• Today 13:57