Lewis Hamilton powers to second but error gifts Max Verstappen Imola win
Hamilton crashes into barriers but recovers to second after Russell and Bottas collide
Verstappen now just a point behind Hamilton in championship
Analysis: Abrasive Max Verstappen will give Lewis Hamilton a title challenge like few others
Lewis Hamilton said he was only human after his spin in yesterday’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix allowed championship rival Max Verstappen to gallop to victory.
Verstappen roared past pole-sitter Hamilton on the race down to the opening corner, following a brilliant getaway at a rain-hit Imola, and then held his nerve as the chaos unfolded behind him.
After switching to dry rubber, Hamilton was in hot pursuit of Verstappen but on lap 31 of 63, the world champion made an uncharacteristic mistake. Lapping George Russell, he slid off the track and into the gravel at the left-handed Tosa corner.
The seven-time world champion managed to reverse out of the sand trap and stop for repairs, fighting back from ninth to second. Lando Norris finished third for McLaren following the best drive of the Briton’s fledgling career.
Hamilton’s fight back through the pack was aided when the race was red-flagged after Russell and Valtteri Bottas were involved in a huge 200mph crash.
After calling Bottas a “f------ p----” on the radio, Russell marched over to confront the Finn, leaning into his Mercedes cockpit and slapping him on the helmet.
⚠️ SAFETY CAR (LAP 33/63) ⚠️
Russell and Bottas have a huge coming together into Tamburello and are both out of the race
Both drivers are out of the car and okay#ImolaGP 🇮🇹 #F1 pic.twitter.com/Y0xWuGm8Mb— Formula 1 (@F1) April 18, 2021
A 30-minute delay ensued before Verstappen cruised off into the distance, with Hamilton passing five drivers in 21 laps in an impressive display of damage limitation.
“It was very tricky out there but we are only human,” Hamilton said. “It is not the mistakes that define you. You know I don’t make too many mistakes, and while it was gutting to be in that position I feel these things happen for a reason.
“I didn’t think I would finish second when I was facing that barrier, but I remember being there and looking at the barrier and I refused to believe the race was over.
“I could have turned the car off and got out, but I was grateful I didn’t. After that, it was trying to switch the anger and turn it into positive energy and race forwards. That is an amazing blessing to be sent.”
In the closing stages Hamilton, who fought his way past Norris with just three laps remaining, recorded the fastest lap meaning he will head to the third round in Portugal with a single-point advantage over Verstappen.
He added: “Finishing second will be very valuable in the championship. If I had lost 25 points to Max today it would have been hard to recover, based on the fact Red Bull have an incredibly fast car.
“They were faster than us this weekend. We have got a close battle, which we love. There are going to be a lot of exciting races up ahead.”
Verstappen should have won in Bahrain three weeks ago, but for an illegal move on Hamilton, while a mistake on his final lap in qualifying on Saturday cost him pole position.
But the Dutchman, 23, delivered a largely faultless display in the inclement conditions to take his 11th career win and first of a season which has started with two classic races.
Following a deluge of rain an hour before the start, the drivers began on wet rubber and it was Verstappen, third on the grid, who executed a perfect getaway. Racing past Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez, he then moved to the inside of Hamilton at the opening corner with the latter forced to run over the kerbs.
Hamilton claimed Verstappen did not leave him enough room but the stewards looked at the incident and decided an investigation was not necessary.
The championship is now perfectly poised, with Hamilton and Verstappen’s rivalry set to live up to its pre-season billing.
“Today was very good but it is a very long season so we have to keep working hard,” said Verstappen.
“I am happy with the result today, but tomorrow we start again and we have to keep on improving. Lewis and Mercedes have been so dominant and difficult to beat. To be competitive after two races is promising but there are no guarantees.”
03:47 PMThanks for joining me today
Thanks for joining me today
Another great race in what is shaping up to be a fantastic season (I hope). We'll be back in two weeks' time for the Portuguese Grand Prix. We will also have more reaction and analysis up on telegraph.co.uk/sport tomorrow. A lot to think about, isn't there?
03:40 PMBottas speaks to Sky Sports F1
It was quite a big one. It could have been a lot worse. I'm okay. I think that lap or just before the DRS was available for people. George got close and he obviously went for an overtake in a place where there's pretty much one dry line. I don't know what he's about after he was trying to say something but it's completely his fault. I didn't hear what he said [to me after the crash].
03:38 PMGeorge Russell speaks to Sky Sports F1
I was had the slipstream, I had the DRS and just as I pulled out he jolted to the right. This is a tactical defence... a 'Verstappen move' . There is a gentleman's agreement that is not what you do – it is dangerous. In completely dry conditions I would have been fine. You need to respect the speed and the conditions. I asked him if he was trying to kill us both.
For him a P9 is nothing but for us it's everything. He had no reason to jolt like that. We've always said it's going to cause a massive collision and here we are. I'm sure he's upset and frustrated with me as I am with him. Moreso it's not just the speed, it's the speed difference. Perhaps if it was another driver, he wouldn't have done that.
Bottas speaks to Sky Sports F1
It was quite a big one. It could have been a lot worse. I'm okay. I think that lap or just before the DRS was available for people. George got close and he obviously went for an overtake in a place where there's pretty much one dry line. I don't know what he's about after he was trying to say something but it's completely his fault. I didn't hear what he said [to me after the crash].
03:38 PMGeorge Russell speaks to Sky Sports F1
I was had the slipstream, I had the DRS and just as I pulled out he jolted to the right. This is a tactical defence... a 'Verstappen move' . There is a gentleman's agreement that is not what you do – it is dangerous. In completely dry conditions I would have been fine. You need to respect the speed and the conditions. I asked him if he was trying to kill us both.
For him a P9 is nothing but for us it's everything. He had no reason to jolt like that. We've always said it's going to cause a massive collision and here we are. I'm sure he's upset and frustrated with me as I am with him. Moreso it's not just the speed, it's the speed difference. Perhaps if it was another driver, he wouldn't have done that.
George Russell speaks to Sky Sports F1
I was had the slipstream, I had the DRS and just as I pulled out he jolted to the right. This is a tactical defence... a 'Verstappen move' . There is a gentleman's agreement that is not what you do – it is dangerous. In completely dry conditions I would have been fine. You need to respect the speed and the conditions. I asked him if he was trying to kill us both.
For him a P9 is nothing but for us it's everything. He had no reason to jolt like that. We've always said it's going to cause a massive collision and here we are. I'm sure he's upset and frustrated with me as I am with him. Moreso it's not just the speed, it's the speed difference. Perhaps if it was another driver, he wouldn't have done that.
Hmmmm. Interesting. Both Mercedes-contracted drivers, of course and they will both be fighting to be driving the 2022 Mercedes.
03:21 PMUpdated constructor standings
Updated constructor standings
Think the top four teams in that will be fairly happy with their lot in the first two races of the year, give or take. Everyone else? Not so much...
03:18 PMUpdated driver standings: Top 13
Updated driver standings: Top 13
Hamilton retains his lead, but not by much.
Alonso and Vettel yet to score a point...
03:15 PMVerstappen speaks after the race
MAX: "It was very hard to stay on track to be honest!
"I had a little moment with my restart! But everything else went really well today"#ImolaGP 🇮🇹 #F1 pic.twitter.com/VtATiwadCW
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 18, 2021
03:11 PM"Super drive, Lewis," says Toto Wolff
Verstappen speaks after the race
MAX: "It was very hard to stay on track to be honest!
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 18, 2021
"I had a little moment with my restart! But everything else went really well today"#ImolaGP 🇮🇹 #F1 pic.twitter.com/VtATiwadCW
03:11 PM"Super drive, Lewis," says Toto Wolff
"Super drive, Lewis," says Toto Wolff
"Apologies for the mistake earlier on. We live and we learn. Onto the next one." Think he can be happy with second when he was looking at something a lot worse as he took half a minute to get his car back on track and then had his front wing hanging off...
03:09 PMCLASSIFICATION
- VER
- HAM
- NOR
- LEC
- SAI
- RIC
- STR
- GAS
- RAI
- OCO
- ALO
- PER
- TSU
- GIO
- VET
- MSC
- MAZ
CLASSIFICATION
- VER
- HAM
- NOR
- LEC
- SAI
- RIC
- STR
- GAS
- RAI
- OCO
- ALO
- PER
- TSU
- GIO
- VET
- MSC
- MAZ
OUT: BOT, RUS, LAT
03:08 PMMAX VERSTAPPEN WINS THE 2021 EMILIA ROMAGNA GRAND PRIX
MAX VERSTAPPEN WINS THE 2021 EMILIA ROMAGNA GRAND PRIX
A chaotic race at the start and then in the middle. Hamilton stuffed his cars into the barriers and somehow ends up with second. Don't think he necessarily deserved it. Norris holds off Leclerc for third and another McLaren podium. That will make up for the annoyance of losing out on a super qualifying yesterday.
03:07 PMFINAL LAP
FINAL LAP
Verstappen laps Mick Schumacher, he just has to negotiate the final few corners now. He took the lead at the first corner and has looked supreme since. Though he nearly did spin as he was leading the pack around. But that does not matter...
03:06 PMLap 63 of 63 - A big battle for 10th
Lap 63 of 63 - A big battle for 10th
Ocon, Alonso and Perez all vying for the same bit of track. Ricciardo trying to hold off Stroll and Gasly... that too is mighty close. Vettel retires from 15th due to a gearbox problem. Another rubbish weekend.
Verstappen crusing to victory now. Can he get fastest lap too?
03:05 PMLap 61 of 63 - Verstappen leads Hamilton
Lap 61 of 63 - Verstappen leads Hamilton
By 20.5s. Verstappen crusing to victory but the final fastest lap point will decide who leads the championship.
1.7s between Norris and Leclerc.
Yellow flags... what's that for? They don't last long so I assume someone who has spun and got back going. Nothing to worry about. Possibly Mazepin.
03:03 PMLap 60 of 63 - Verstappen leads by 20.2s
Lap 60 of 63 - Verstappen leads by 20.2s
Just in case you forgot. Norris complaining about clutch slipping in the middle of corners. He does not need that, running in second with just four or so laps to go. He is told he's knocking the left paddle, which explains it.
Hamilton is closer this time and too close this time... around the outside before the braking zone for turn one and Hamilton is up into second! Norris now has to be concerned with Leclerc, 1.8s behind.
Verstappen sets the fastest lap... Hamilton then takes it off him.
03:01 PMLap 59 of 63 - Norris defending brilliantly here
Lap 59 of 63 - Norris defending brilliantly here
Hamilton gets right up to the rear diffuser of the McLaren in second but it's not enough... he is not close enough when he gets to the braking zone for the first chicane. Gasly in P8 after an eventful day. Think he will be happy with points of any kind.
02:59 PMLap 58 of 63 - Norris not quite a sitting duck
Lap 58 of 63 - Norris not quite a sitting duck
But it should be easy enough for Hamilton with DRS...
02:58 PMLap 57 of 63 - Full order
- VER
- NOR
- HAM
- LEC
- SAI
- RIC
- STR
- GAS
- RAI
- OCO
- ALO
- PER
- TSU
- VET
- GIO
- MSC
- MAZ
Lap 57 of 63 - Full order
- VER
- NOR
- HAM
- LEC
- SAI
- RIC
- STR
- GAS
- RAI
- OCO
- ALO
- PER
- TSU
- VET
- GIO
- MSC
- MAZ
OUT: BOT, RUS, LAT
02:58 PMLap 56 of 63 - Norris can't worry too much about Hamilton here
Lap 56 of 63 - Norris can't worry too much about Hamilton here
It has to be Leclerc who is his concern.
02:57 PMLap 55 of 63 - Hamilton up into third
Lap 55 of 63 - Hamilton up into third
He has DRS, Leclerc doesn't and that is that. This will be a very lucky podium for him. The red flag came at the right time and then he was allowed to get onto the lead lap (with the other lapped runners) on the restart for some reason. That is a silly rule. Second for Hamilton here? Verstappen isn't quite a pit stop ahead of him.
LAP 55/63
Hamilton takes third from Leclerc!#ImolaGP 🇮🇹 #F1 pic.twitter.com/hUjHCWDUxj— Formula 1 (@F1) April 18, 2021
02:56 PMLap 54 of 63 - Hamilton still not close enough
Lap 54 of 63 - Hamilton still not close enough
But in the dirty air. Norris screaming for blue flags as he approaches Mazepin in last place.
Would be quite something if Leclerc could hold off Hamilton but he desperately needs to stay within DRS range of Norris and he hasn't managed to do that this time
02:54 PMLap 53 of 63 - Hamilton still can't get close enough to Leclerc
Lap 53 of 63 - Hamilton still can't get close enough to Leclerc
He's mightily close, of course, but with the Ferrari and Mercedes both using DRS the speed differential is not enough for Hamilton to move alongside and take the place as he did so easily with Sainz a few laps ago.
02:53 PMLap 52 of 63 - Hamilton now really close to Leclerc
Lap 52 of 63 - Hamilton now really close to Leclerc
But both cars have DRS and it's thus not enough for Hamilton. Vettel slipping back now, down into 14th. Verstappen extends his lead to 14.5s and this should be an easy win for him. Should be.
02:51 PMLap 51 of 63 - Ocon looking good for a point or three
Lap 51 of 63 - Ocon looking good for a point or three
He's in 10th, closing up onto Raikkonen and holding Alonso at bay. Can Pérez snatch a point? He's in 12th and nearly with DRS range of Alonso...
02:50 PMLap 50 of 63 - Hamilton into fourth
Lap 50 of 63 - Hamilton into fourth
A smooth move around the outside of Sainz where Bottas and Russell collided. Exactly the same place. Minus the collision and massive crash...
Leclerc is the next man up the road, but he is also within DRS range of Norris so will also get DRS range. The Mercedes should have the pace over the next few laps.
02:49 PMLap 49 of 63 - Hamilton within DRS range of Sainz...
Lap 49 of 63 - Hamilton within DRS range of Sainz...
Can he get through with it on the pit straight?
02:48 PMLap 48 of 63 - Verstappen increases his lead to 11s
Lap 48 of 63 - Verstappen increases his lead to 11s
But Leclerc is now within DRS range of Norris ahead and on the better tyres. Sainz is closing up too and so is Hamilton. This could get interesting in a lap or two. Second place certainly not out of the question for Hamilton with 14 laps to go.
02:46 PMLap 47 of 63 - Pretty ragged day from Pérez
Lap 47 of 63 - Pretty ragged day from Pérez
Tries a move into one of the many chicanes and rides heavily over the kerbs. He is briefly ahead but can't keep it as he loses traction on the exit. The touched tyres on the way through.
LAP 47/63
Perez goes for a move on Vettel, but hops the kerbs and remains P13 #ImolaGP 🇮🇹 #F1 pic.twitter.com/cQwRtpbayl— Formula 1 (@F1) April 18, 2021
02:45 PMLap 46 of 63 - Verstappen with another fastest lap
Lap 46 of 63 - Verstappen with another fastest lap
The gap to Norris is now 10 seconds. Nobody in his league at the moment.
02:44 PMLap 45 of 63 - Verstappen putting in some good sectors here
Lap 45 of 63 - Verstappen putting in some good sectors here
He goes quickest of all in sector two and he ends it with the fastest lap of the race. Perez is now up to 13th and onto the back of Vettel. Hamilton staying around 12-13s from the leaders and within two seconds of Sainz in the Ferrari but closing.
Looks like Verstappen needs to just keep it on the grey stuff.
02:42 PMLap 44 of 63 - Top 10 and gaps
- VER
- NOR +7.4
- LEC +8.4
- SAI +10.1
- HAM +12.5
- RIC +16.9
- STR +23.3
- RAI +25.8
- GAS +26.7
- OCO +29.1
02:41 PMLap 43 of 63 - Top 10 and gaps
Lap 44 of 63 - Top 10 and gaps
- VER
- NOR +7.4
- LEC +8.4
- SAI +10.1
- HAM +12.5
- RIC +16.9
- STR +23.3
- RAI +25.8
- GAS +26.7
- OCO +29.1
02:41 PMLap 43 of 63 - Top 10 and gaps
Lap 43 of 63 - Top 10 and gaps
Vettel, in 12th, dips a rear wheel onto the gravel but no harm. Outside chance of a point for him now.
02:40 PMLap 42 of 63 - Hamilton takes Ricciardo for fifth
Lap 42 of 63 - Hamilton takes Ricciardo for fifth
Hamilton with good pace here and he is only 12 seconds behind leader Verstappen and eight or so away from a podium spot.
02:38 PMLap 41 of 63 - Verstappen extending his lead to 4.3s over Norris
Lap 41 of 63 - Verstappen extending his lead to 4.3s over Norris
Giovinazzi has a brake problem and comes into his pit box, and goes back out again. Leclerc is 1.3s behind Norris. A podium not out of the question for Hamilton here. Obviously that early damage from the knock with Verstappen on the opening lap has gone as they changed his front wing under the red flag.
02:36 PMLap 40 of 63 - Full order
- VER
- NOR
- LEC
- SAI
- RIC
- HAM
- STR
- RAI
- GIO
- GAS
- ALO
- OCO
- VET
- PER
- TSU
- MSC
- MAZ
Lap 40 of 63 - Full order
- VER
- NOR
- LEC
- SAI
- RIC
- HAM
- STR
- RAI
- GIO
- GAS
- ALO
- OCO
- VET
- PER
- TSU
- MSC
- MAZ
OUT: BOT, RUS, LAT
02:36 PMLap 39 of 63 - Hamilton takes Stroll for sixth
Lap 39 of 63 - Hamilton takes Stroll for sixth
A big tow and DRS on the back straight and goes through the inside of the Tamburello chicane. Nice move... good driving by both, actually.
Verstappen is the only man lapping in the 1.19s at the moment, though Norris just dips into the them this time around.
02:35 PMLap 38 of 63 - Pérez into the gravel
Lap 38 of 63 - Pérez into the gravel
A great day for him yesterday but a bad one for him today. He got off onto the wet stuff away from the racing line and drops down to 14th. That moves Hamilton up a place and means Red Bull drop some points.
LAP 38/63
Perez spins off and drops to P14 💔#ImolaGP 🇮🇹 #F1 pic.twitter.com/lYYinqkN6F— Formula 1 (@F1) April 18, 2021
02:33 PMLap 37 of 63 - Verstappen leads Norris by 2.3s
Lap 37 of 63 - Verstappen leads Norris by 2.3s
Leclerc closing up to Norris in second. Norris will likely have to make his soft tyres last another 27 laps from here, that is not guaranteed. Hamilton is not making a great deal of progress though he is within a second of Stroll. He just needs to get as many points as he can today.
02:31 PMLap 36 of 63 - Norris slips back a bit
Lap 36 of 63 - Norris slips back a bit
As Max Verstappen gets his medium tyres up to speed. The gap was around half a second towards the end of the first lap back racing.
Top 10:
VER
NOR
LEC
PER
SAI
RIC
STR
HAM
RAI
GIO
02:31 PMRACE RESTARTS
RACE RESTARTS
Verstappen nearly spins as he leads the pack around to the start/finish line but somehow manages to keep it going and in the right direct.
He does lead them across the line as Norris takes Leclerc on the soft tyres and closes in onto the back of Verstappen! A McLaren into second! Hamilton up into eighth early on as Tsunoda spins and falls at the back of the pack. He eventually gets going...
02:27 PMThe lapped cars leave the pit lane
The lapped cars leave the pit lane
Whilst the non-lapped cars sit on the grid. Good for someone like Stroll, Raikkonen and Hamilton to get a lap to get an extra lap to warm their tyres up whilst the top six have to sit in the pit lane with cold tyres. They will all then be led out by the safety car, I think, before starting with a rolling start. Everyone will be on the same lap when they start, then.
02:23 PMHow costly could those incidents be for Hamilton and Mercedes?
How costly could those incidents be for Hamilton and Mercedes?
Think Hamilton will score a few points here, but Red Bull and Verstappen are looking at a fair early advantage in the championship. But we still have 30 laps of racing on a track that isn't fully dry... the drama is not over.
02:19 PMKarun Chandhok on the Bottas/Russell incident
Judging from where George’s front right is, looks like the rear right probably touched the grass.
Although VB moved a bit to the right, at this point it looks like Valtteri has still given him enough space. pic.twitter.com/yLoieTFd5z
— Karun Chandhok (@karunchandhok) April 18, 2021
02:18 PMHamilton and Michael the Geordie
Karun Chandhok on the Bottas/Russell incident
Judging from where George’s front right is, looks like the rear right probably touched the grass.
— Karun Chandhok (@karunchandhok) April 18, 2021
Although VB moved a bit to the right, at this point it looks like Valtteri has still given him enough space. pic.twitter.com/yLoieTFd5z
02:18 PMHamilton and Michael the Geordie
Hamilton and Michael the Geordie
Same energy.
Hamilton reflects after a chaotic first half of the race#ImolaGP 🇮🇹 #F1 pic.twitter.com/QJaY618GsV
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 18, 2021
02:17 PMSESSION TO RESTART AT 1525 BST
SESSION TO RESTART AT 1525 BST
That's good. Debris cleared, pretty much.
02:16 PMRED FLAG - How long is this going to be?
RED FLAG - How long is this going to be?
Not sure. Doesn't seem like they are repairing the barriers but a lot of debris around. Williams were on for a good weekend here, but they have both cars out in huge crashes. Mercedes not going too well, either. Red Bull will be happy. Toto Wolff will not.
02:12 PMRED FLAG - Replay of Hamilton's crash being shown
RED FLAG - Replay of Hamilton's crash being shown
He was lapping Russell at the start of the lap and went through the inside and just understeered off into the gravel and into the barriers. A quite un-Hamilton-like mistake. Though he did do it in Germany a couple of years ago.
Only six cars currently on the lead lap – Verstappen, Leclerc, Norris, Pérez, Sainz and Ricciardo.
02:08 PMRED FLAG - Russell was on for a top 10 finish today
RED FLAG - Russell was on for a top 10 finish today
And it ends in the barriers at Imola AGAIN.
Actually, looking at replays again, Bottas does move over a little towards the end, but in what order did it all happen? Russell was the one who dropped it onto the grass and ultimately that caused the crash – but did Bottas play a part in that?
02:04 PMRED FLAG - Bottas's car is in a right mess
🚩 RED FLAG 🚩
The race is suspended as the clean-up operation begins#ImolaGP 🇮🇹 #F1 pic.twitter.com/JPv4ehGOjr
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 18, 2021
02:02 PMThat looks like it was 100 per cent Russell's fault
RED FLAG - Bottas's car is in a right mess
🚩 RED FLAG 🚩
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 18, 2021
The race is suspended as the clean-up operation begins#ImolaGP 🇮🇹 #F1 pic.twitter.com/JPv4ehGOjr
02:02 PMThat looks like it was 100 per cent Russell's fault
That looks like it was 100 per cent Russell's fault
Bottas left him room on the outside but he ended up putting a wheel on the grass.
Russell went over to Bottas in the cockit and seemed to sarcastically tap him on the helmet... after their crash.
Hmmmm. I think that is definitely his fault.
01:59 PMLap 33 of 63 - RED FLAG
Lap 33 of 63 - RED FLAG
They have belatedly red flagged the race.
Here's the order. There is an awful lot of debris.
VER
LEC
NOR
PER
SAI
RIC
STR
RAI
HAM
TSU
GIO
ALO
OCO
GAS
VET
MSC
MAZ
OUT: BOT, RUS, LAT
01:59 PMLap 32 of 63 - What happened between Russell and Bottas?
Lap 32 of 63 - What happened between Russell and Bottas?
Russell was going around the outside of Bottas on the first straight, put a wheel on the grass and speared into the side of Bottasm ruining both of their races and both of their cars.
⚠️ SAFETY CAR (LAP 33/63) ⚠️
Russell and Bottas have a huge coming together into Tamburello and are both out of the race
Both drivers are out of the car and okay#ImolaGP 🇮🇹 #F1 pic.twitter.com/Y0xWuGm8Mb— Formula 1 (@F1) April 18, 2021
That's bad. "What a -----." Bottas says on the radio. He sounds quite winded but he is out of the car.
"What the ---- is he doing, honestly? Is he a ---- or what," is Russell's response. That was a big shunt.
Safety car still going round... just as the race was starting to settle down. Hamilton is down in ninth by the way and has been lapped. Disaster for Mercedes, in the space of about one minute.
01:55 PMLap 31 of 63 - HAMILTON GOES OFF! INTO THE BARRIERS
Lap 31 of 63 - HAMILTON GOES OFF! INTO THE BARRIERS
Fastest lap of the race for Hamilton... But he goes sliding off the track and into the gravel! He tries to keep it going but he's into the barriers!
He needs to find reverse now, is that the end of his race?
LAP 31/63
HAMILTONS GOES OFF!
Hamilton slides off into the gravel, and hits the front wing#ImolaGP 🇮🇹 #F1 pic.twitter.com/7BBN3JN3IS— Formula 1 (@F1) April 18, 2021
Hamilton manages to reverse his car and get it going again but his front wing is hanging half off.
BIG CRASH - RUSSELL AND BOTTAS INVOLVED AND IN THE GRAVEL! DEBRIS EVERYWHERE...Bottas's Mercedes looks a right mess.
This could be a red flag... nope. But the Safety Car is out...
01:54 PMLap 30 of 63 - Ignoring any further rain or safety cars
Lap 30 of 63 - Ignoring any further rain or safety cars
This should be the only stop of the race. Hamilton has making up time as Verstappen has to wait for lapped cars to get out of the way. That has taken a good three seconds out of his lead again... the Dutchman really hampered by this traffic as he laps Bottas.
01:52 PMLap 29 of 63 - Does Hamilton keep the lead?
Lap 29 of 63 - Does Hamilton keep the lead?
Or does Verstappen retake it? It's a slow stop for the champion as he has to wait for Giovinazzi to leave his pit box or come into it...
Verstappen powers through on the pit straight and retakes the lead! Five seconds in it now so that is a net gain for Verstappen. Hamilton also on the medium tyres. Slow right front change as well for him in the pits.
01:50 PMLap 28 of 63 - Hamilton in at the end of this lap, too
Lap 28 of 63 - Hamilton in at the end of this lap, too
"Go for it, you've got one lap," he is told on the radio. Medium tyres for Verstappen. Hamilton is flying... he sets the fastest first sector time...
This is going to be close.
01:49 PMLap 27 of 63 - Think Mercedes should bring Hamilton in for slicks now
Lap 27 of 63 - Think Mercedes should bring Hamilton in for slicks now
He's within two seconds...
Verstappen pits at the end of the lap, does Hamilton? No...
01:48 PMLap 26 of 63 - Sainz up to sixth
Lap 26 of 63 - Sainz up to sixth
He overtakes Ricciardo at Tamburello. Norris a further 10 seconds up the road. Perez is losing time to Leclerc, two seconds on the last lap, in fact. Vettel's sector three time is closer to the intermediate runners not noticeably quicker, which is what it needs to be to tempt others onto slicks just yet. But maybe...
01:47 PMLap 25 of 63 - Hamilton closing up greatly on Verstappen
Lap 25 of 63 - Hamilton closing up greatly on Verstappen
Verstappen was lapping cars, though, so that could explain it. By the time Hamilton has found his way through the gap is back to three seconds. Has made a second or two in that time, however.
01:45 PMLap 24 of 63 - Vettel's slicks gamble not working
Lap 24 of 63 - Vettel's slicks gamble not working
A couple of seconds off the pace in the middle sector, though that is the wettest one. His first sector was coming out of the pit lane and his final sector was coming into the pit lane for his stop/go penalty, so maybe they could still be the right tyres.
01:43 PMLap 23 of 63 - Full order
- VER
- HAM
- LEC
- PER
- NOR
- RIC
- SAI
- STR
- BOT
- RUS
- RAI
- GIO
- TSU
- OCO
- ALO
- GAS
- VET
- MSC
- MAZ
Lap 23 of 63 - Full order
- VER
- HAM
- LEC
- PER
- NOR
- RIC
- SAI
- STR
- BOT
- RUS
- RAI
- GIO
- TSU
- OCO
- ALO
- GAS
- VET
- MSC
- MAZ
OUT: LAT
4.8s between Verstappen and Hamilton.
01:42 PMLap 22 of 63 - A 10-second stop go penalty for Vettel
Lap 22 of 63 - A 10-second stop go penalty for Vettel
That is for not having the car with its wheels on at the specified time on the grid. That has ruined whatever chances of a race he had. Bottas making very little progress, still in ninth but within a second of Stroll.
01:41 PMLap 21 of 63 - Vettel the first driver to try the slicks
Lap 21 of 63 - Vettel the first driver to try the slicks
This will be interesting to see. I will keep an eye on his lap times. He wasn't really on for much as it stood, so it is worth a gamble. He goes onto the mediums and comes out in 16th.
LAP 22/63
Sebastian Vettel is the first to fit slick tyres, as the track continues to dry, but it's definitely still slippery!#ImolaGP 🇮🇹 #F1 pic.twitter.com/uzZhdameXn— Formula 1 (@F1) April 18, 2021
01:39 PMLap 20 of 63 - I have said for a while that Verstappen and Hamilton are leagues ahead of the rest
Lap 20 of 63 - I have said for a while that Verstappen and Hamilton are leagues ahead of the rest
Over the last two years or so, that is. They are proving it again today. Gap is still five or so seconds. Norris has pulled six seconds on Ricciardo in just a handful of laps. He is lapping around the pace of the leaders. Perez also around that pace, and he has just set the fastest lap of the race. Wonder how long he can keep these intermediate tyres going before they overheat. If anyone can get the best of them it is him.
01:37 PMLap 19 of 63 - The Alpines not having a great day
Lap 19 of 63 - The Alpines not having a great day
15th for Ocon and 16th for Alonso, who has now just been lapped...
01:36 PMLap 18 of 63 - Verstappen leads Hamilton by 5.4s
Lap 18 of 63 - Verstappen leads Hamilton by 5.4s
Bottas closing up onto the back of Stroll for eighth. Russell doing fairly well in 10th, Raikkonen two seconds behind him.
01:35 PMLap 17 of 63 - Verstappen leads by 5.4s
Lap 17 of 63 - Verstappen leads by 5.4s
Ricciardo told that McLaren want to put Norris ahead. He probably is holding him up but that is a message that will not make him happy. He lets him through into fifth. Always good to have one of those favours in the bank.
01:33 PMLap 16 of 63 - Verstappen asks about dry tyres
Lap 16 of 63 - Verstappen asks about dry tyres
Let me know if anyone changes, he says. Not sure we are quite ready but I do think we are about three or four laps from someone, somewhere trying it.
01:33 PMLap 15 of 63 - Top 10 and gaps
- VER
- HAM +4.8
- LEC +17.9
- PER +28.0
- RIC +39.4
- NOR +40.5
- SAI +47.5
- STR +56.8
- BOT +58.6
- RUS +64.3
01:32 PMLap 14 of 63 - Gasly finally comes into the pits
Lap 15 of 63 - Top 10 and gaps
- VER
- HAM +4.8
- LEC +17.9
- PER +28.0
- RIC +39.4
- NOR +40.5
- SAI +47.5
- STR +56.8
- BOT +58.6
- RUS +64.3
01:32 PMLap 14 of 63 - Gasly finally comes into the pits
Lap 14 of 63 - Gasly finally comes into the pits
And will surely change to the intermediates. That has not worked out for him at all. Norris now within a second of team-mate Ricciardo ahead.
01:30 PMLap 13 of 63 - Gap stabilising at the front
Lap 13 of 63 - Gap stabilising at the front
4.2s between Verstappen and Hamilton. Gasly just going backwards in the order on these wet tyres. Leclerc is 10 seconds behind Hamilton and Perez is 11 seconds behind him. So a big spread at the front and it is starting to look like a two-horse race. But there is such a long way to go and we will need to switch to slick tyres at some point...
01:28 PMLap 12 of 63 - 10s time penalty for Sergio Pérez
Lap 12 of 63 - 10s time penalty for Sergio Pérez
Gasly currently holding up a hell of a lot of cars. Russell is now past him and goes into the points for Williams!
01:26 PMLap 11 of 63 - Full order
- VER
- HAM
- LEC
- PER
- RIC
- NOR
- SAI
- STR
- GAS
- BOT
- RUS
- RAI
- GIO
- TSU
- OCO
- VET
- ALO
- MAZ
- MSC
Lap 11 of 63 - Full order
- VER
- HAM
- LEC
- PER
- RIC
- NOR
- SAI
- STR
- GAS
- BOT
- RUS
- RAI
- GIO
- TSU
- OCO
- VET
- ALO
- MAZ
- MSC
OUT: LAT
A big train starting to apepar behind Pierre Gasly. Pérez under investigation for overtaking behind the safety car, which he did. Could be a 10-seconder... or heavier. Hamilton now closing the gap. Down to 4.3s now.
01:25 PMLap 10 of 63 - Verstappen leads Hamilton by five seconds
Lap 10 of 63 - Verstappen leads Hamilton by five seconds
Leclerc 3.1s behind Hamilton now. A dry line starting to appear on the track and there's a brief yellow flag so somebody must have spun. No idea who it was, possibly one of the Haas cars as nobody has lost a place this lap.
01:23 PMLap 9 of 63 - Norris through Gasly now and into sixth
Lap 9 of 63 - Norris through Gasly now and into sixth
That means he is just behind team-mate Ricciardo. Sainz past Gasly and I wonder if the wet tyres may be needing a change for the AlphaTauri driver. But he may have to wait until things are ready for dries.
01:22 PMLap 8 of 63 - Norris makes up a place before losing it
Lap 8 of 63 - Norris makes up a place before losing it
Gasly in sixth and the only driver still in the top 10 on wets. Verstappen nearly five seconds clear now...
Leclerc has dropped back a bit and Bottas is not making much progress. Norris and Gasly getting close for seventh, can Norris get a good run into the first corner?
01:19 PMLap 7 of 63 - RACE RESTARTS
Lap 7 of 63 - RACE RESTARTS
Verstappen backs the pack up before bolting and he does – keeping the lead, but Hamilton gets a big tow and they are nearly side by side into the first chicane again! Hamilton pulls out of any move he had in his head but is now vulnerable to Leclerc behind. He looks quite fighty...
Sainz makes a place up, overtaking Stroll. And now he is past Gasly! Hamilton is struggling to hear his intermediate tyres up and Verstappen is already three seconds up the road – more! – before the end of the lap. Leclerc within a second of the Mercedes.
01:17 PMSAFETY CAR IN AT THE END OF THIS LAP
SAFETY CAR IN AT THE END OF THIS LAP
Here's a recap of the top 10:
VER
HAM
LEC
PER
RIC
GAS
STR
SAI
NOR
BOT
Then it's Russell, Raikkonen and Giovinazzi. Schumacher eventually makes his way to his pit box for a front wing change.
01:14 PMLap 5 of 63 - SC still out
Lap 5 of 63 - SC still out
They have just about removed Latifi's stricken Williams but they may have to extend the Safety Car due to Schumacher's front wing. Poor Mick has to continue around for another go because the pit lane is closed. They are a long way from clearing the front wing, it seems, but they should be able to do so now.
Perez runs into the gravel and then recovers his position... is he allowed to do that? The pit lane entry is open now. And the Safety Car is still out.
01:13 PMLap 4 of 63 - More rain in the pit lane
Lap 4 of 63 - More rain in the pit lane
No need for a red flag, however. Not much room for recovery of Latifi's Wiliams...
Now Mick Schumacher has spun, losing his front wing on the pit straight. Right by the pit exit, actually...
LAP 4/63
Schumacher loses the rear end warming his tyres, and takes off the front wing
The pit lane is currently closed due to the debris#ImolaGP 🇮🇹 #F1 pic.twitter.com/z5KHs5RYzD— Formula 1 (@F1) April 18, 2021
That drops him right to the back. He had not been in the pits, but must have just lost it. They have now closed the pit lane entry due to Schumacher's front wing. Which means Schumacher can't come in to change his front wing...
Ahhh, replays show Schumacher was warming up his tyres and spun into the barriers.
01:10 PMLap 3 of 63 - Perez lost traction at the Variante Alta
Lap 3 of 63 - Perez lost traction at the Variante Alta
And that is where Leclerc slipped through. Hamilton has a fair bit of damage to his front wing end plate, which I think has now become detached.
01:08 PMLap 2 of 63 - Order under SC
- VER
- HAM
- LEC
- PER
- RIC
- GAS
- STR
- SAI
- NOR
- BOT
- RUS
- RAI
- GIO
- TSU
- MSC
- ALO
- VET
- MAZ
- OCO
Lap 2 of 63 - Order under SC
- VER
- HAM
- LEC
- PER
- RIC
- GAS
- STR
- SAI
- NOR
- BOT
- RUS
- RAI
- GIO
- TSU
- MSC
- ALO
- VET
- MAZ
- OCO
OUT: LAT
Leclerc has found his way past Perez but I can't see where or how that happened.
01:07 PMSAFETY CAR - LATIFI IN THE BARRIERS
SAFETY CAR - LATIFI IN THE BARRIERS
This could even be a red flag. He had spun a minute or so a second or so before. He actually collided with Mazepin and was speared into the barriers at high speed. Not ideal. The Canadian out of the race, anyway.
⚠️ SAFETY CAR DEPLOYED (LAP 1/63)⚠️
Latifi makes contact with Mazepin and hits the wall #ImolaGP 🇮🇹 #F1 pic.twitter.com/9FYWkMKdvp— Formula 1 (@F1) April 18, 2021
Ocon comes into the pits under the Safety Car... has he changed tyres to the inters? Yes.
01:06 PMTHE 2021 EMILIA ROMAGNA GRAND PRIX IS GO
THE 2021 EMILIA ROMAGNA GRAND PRIX IS GO
A fine start by Hamilton initially but Verstappen is flying! He is side by side with Hamilton going into the first chicane, Hamilton on the inside, Verstappen on the outside and they touch! A bit of bodywork coming off as Hamilton flies over the kerbs...
Verstappen into the lead!
"I don't know if I've got damage, he pushed me right wide in turn one," Hamilton says.
Perez holds third, Leclerc in fourth as Sainz goes off at Acque Minerale...
Latifi spins...
01:04 PMRight, the cars are forming up
Right, the cars are forming up
The track is wet... and tricky. Rain still falling, lightly, on the grid...
Here we go...
Oh, Vettel has a brake-by-wire failure at the end of the pit lane...
01:03 PMLECLERC SPINS ON THE FORMATION LAP
LECLERC SPINS ON THE FORMATION LAP
He just stays out of the gravel at Acque Minerale after losing the rear end. He has to fight to get his position which I think he will do. Indeed he does.
01:02 PMOnly three drivers on full wets
Only three drivers on full wets
Ocon in 9th, Schumacher in 18th and Mazepin in 19th.
01:00 PMAnd just as I post that...
And just as I post that...
The news comes that Sebastian Vettel will start from the pit lane because whatever changes they were making were not done in time. He was a bit down the pack anyway, but not ideal.
Sebastian Vettel will start from the pit lane
Gasly, Ocon, Schumacher and Mazepin all start on wet tyres#ImolaGP 🇮🇹 #F1 pic.twitter.com/EqZoaHjpB5— Formula 1 (@F1) April 18, 2021
Maybe by the time he gets to the end of the first lap he will have picked up a few places through crashes...
12:59 PMSTARTING GRID
- HAM
- PER
- VER
- LEC
- GAS
- RIC
- NOR
- BOT
- OCO
- STR
- SAI
- RUS
- VET
- LAT
- ALO
- RAI
- GIO
- MSC
- MAZ
- TSU
12:58 PMHamilton's race engineer says possibly a bit more light rain at the start
STARTING GRID
- HAM
- PER
- VER
- LEC
- GAS
- RIC
- NOR
- BOT
- OCO
- STR
- SAI
- RUS
- VET
- LAT
- ALO
- RAI
- GIO
- MSC
- MAZ
- TSU
12:58 PMHamilton's race engineer says possibly a bit more light rain at the start
Hamilton's race engineer says possibly a bit more light rain at the start
But not heavy. Will anyone be brave enough to start on the intermediate tyres? Inters might actually be the best tyre, I don't know...
This is going to be fascinating. I think, with how close the pack are, this might not be a guaranteed Red Bull or Mercedes win. Anyone for AlphaTauri or Ferrari again? Home favourites, though there is no crowd.
12:56 PMThe big question for the drivers now...
The big question for the drivers now...
Inters or full wets? As wet as the track is now (and it's not soaked throughout), 20 F1 cars driving through it will soon dry it out if the rain stops, so an early change of tyres may be needed. Mind you, you cannot win the race if you are in the barriers, so...
12:45 PMBefore the rain started falling I was about to post about the strategy
Before the rain started falling I was about to post about the strategy
Red Bull had an advantage in positions two and three, with one car on the soft and one on the mediums. They could have trapped Hamilton with the undercut even if the Mercedes driver did keep the lead. That has all gone out of the window, however. Strategy will still be important, but we do not know exactly how...
12:43 PMRain getting fairly heavy on the grid too
Rain getting fairly heavy on the grid too
Some work – exploratory, perhaps – going on at the back of Lewis Hamilton's car, specifically at the brakes. Could well be related to Aston Martin's problems...
Would hope it's not a full safety car start but I would not rule it out at this moment. Still 15 or so minutes until lights out.
12:39 PMStroll's rear brakes were actually on fire as he came through the pit lane
Stroll's rear brakes were actually on fire as he came through the pit lane
And the Aston Martin mechanics are in a race against time to change them out as the casings have been burnt out. Just over 20 minutes until they need to get off the grid...
Lance Stroll'ün fren diskleri alev aldı🔥 pic.twitter.com/vZJPsTkIrr
— Aston Martin F1 Türkiye 💚 (@Aston_MartinTR) April 18, 2021
12:35 PMAlonso in the barriers
Alonso in the barriers
And Bottas has had a rear puncture on the way to the grid. Not sure if he hit the barriers himself or what...
Alonso in the wall!
The 2005 winner at this circuit slides off at Tosa and crunches the front wing 😱 He makes it back in the pits for repairs#ImolaGP 🇮🇹 #F1 pic.twitter.com/RnLmYp40vW— Formula 1 (@F1) April 18, 2021
This is not a very forgiving circuit even in perfect conditions.
12:31 PMRear brake problems for both Aston Martins according to Ted Kravitz on Sky Sports F1
Rear brake problems for both Aston Martins according to Ted Kravitz on Sky Sports F1
They are circulating at the moment but that doesn't sound too good...
12:30 PMIf the conditions stay like this
If the conditions stay like this
It will be a start on full wets. In the middle of the lap it is absolutely sodden. Fernando Alonso has had a trip into the gravel already, but managed to get going... he will need a new front wing.
The remainder of the lap is fairly dry, mind you...
"The final sector, pretty much completely dry. Sector one is pretty sketchy," says Lando Norris. Sector two: Drenched. Getting a bit heavier on the grid, too, but still only damp there.
12:25 PMAnd here's what the Miami track looks like
↩️ 19 corners
📏 5.41km
🔥 3 potential DRS zones
🤯 320 km/h top speed
Introducing the new @f1miami circuit, around the iconic @HardRockStadium 🏟#F1 #MiamiGP pic.twitter.com/nsJawzpIL2
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 18, 2021
12:23 PMSome other news today...
And here's what the Miami track looks like
↩️ 19 corners
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 18, 2021
📏 5.41km
🔥 3 potential DRS zones
🤯 320 km/h top speed
Introducing the new @f1miami circuit, around the iconic @HardRockStadium 🏟#F1 #MiamiGP pic.twitter.com/nsJawzpIL2
12:23 PMSome other news today...
Some other news today...
F1 has confirmed that Miami will be on the provisional calendar for the 2022 season. When exactly, we do not know, but Stefano Domenicali has said it is likely to be in the second quarter of the year, so possibly a double header with the Canadian Grand Prix.
WE"RE GOING TO MIAMI 🌴
Starting in 2022, F1 has signed a 10-year deal to race at a circuit around Miami's iconic Hard Rock Stadium 🙌 #MiamiGP #F1 @f1miami pic.twitter.com/562e2G7ru7— Formula 1 (@F1) April 18, 2021
12:18 PMActually, did I say "not heavily"?
Actually, did I say "not heavily"?
This looks fairly substantial...
There's moisture in the air... 👀#ImolaGP 🇮🇹 #F1 pic.twitter.com/nnTNFprN4H
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 18, 2021
12:17 PMIt is definitely raining
It is definitely raining
Not heavily at the moment, but it is not all that warm. The track could well be a bit slippery if this continues for the next 45 minutes before the race starts...
12:03 PMCurrent driver standings – Top 10
12:00 PMA bit of rain in the air?
Current driver standings – Top 10
12:00 PMA bit of rain in the air?
A bit of rain in the air?
Perhaps – but we've been here before. It is far from certain. A short, sharp shower at half-way would liven things up.
Eyes on the skies 👀☁️ #ImolaGP 🇮🇹 pic.twitter.com/dEuYogzdEM
— Red Bull Racing Honda (@redbullracing) April 18, 2021
11:53 AMWatch: Hamilton's pole lap around Imola
11:46 AMTimes from qualifying
- Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes 1min 14.411secs
- Sergio Pérez, Red Bull 1:14.446
- Max Verstappen, Red Bull 1:14.498
- Charles Leclerc, Ferrari 1:14.740
- Pierre Gasly, AlphaTauri 1:14.790
- Daniel Ricciardo, McLaren 1:14.826
- Lando Norris, McLaren 1:14.875
- Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes 1:14.898
- Esteban Ocon, Alpine 1:15.210
- Lance Stroll, Aston Martin No Time Set in Q3
- Carlos Sainz, Ferrari 1:15.199
- George Russell, Williams 1:15.261
- Sebastian Vettel, Aston Martin 1:15.394
- Nicholas Latifi, Williams 1:15.593
- Fernando Alonso, Alpine 1:15.593
- Kimi Raikkonen, Alfa Romeo 1:15.974
- Antonio Giovinazzi, Alfa Romeo 1:16.122
- Mick Schumacher, Haas 1:16.279
- Nikita Mazepin, Haas 1:16.797
- Yuki Tsunoda, AlphaTauri No Time Set
11:39 AMGood afternoon
Watch: Hamilton's pole lap around Imola
11:46 AMTimes from qualifying
- Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes 1min 14.411secs
- Sergio Pérez, Red Bull 1:14.446
- Max Verstappen, Red Bull 1:14.498
- Charles Leclerc, Ferrari 1:14.740
- Pierre Gasly, AlphaTauri 1:14.790
- Daniel Ricciardo, McLaren 1:14.826
- Lando Norris, McLaren 1:14.875
- Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes 1:14.898
- Esteban Ocon, Alpine 1:15.210
- Lance Stroll, Aston Martin No Time Set in Q3
- Carlos Sainz, Ferrari 1:15.199
- George Russell, Williams 1:15.261
- Sebastian Vettel, Aston Martin 1:15.394
- Nicholas Latifi, Williams 1:15.593
- Fernando Alonso, Alpine 1:15.593
- Kimi Raikkonen, Alfa Romeo 1:15.974
- Antonio Giovinazzi, Alfa Romeo 1:16.122
- Mick Schumacher, Haas 1:16.279
- Nikita Mazepin, Haas 1:16.797
- Yuki Tsunoda, AlphaTauri No Time Set
11:39 AMGood afternoon
Times from qualifying
- Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes 1min 14.411secs
- Sergio Pérez, Red Bull 1:14.446
- Max Verstappen, Red Bull 1:14.498
- Charles Leclerc, Ferrari 1:14.740
- Pierre Gasly, AlphaTauri 1:14.790
- Daniel Ricciardo, McLaren 1:14.826
- Lando Norris, McLaren 1:14.875
- Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes 1:14.898
- Esteban Ocon, Alpine 1:15.210
- Lance Stroll, Aston Martin No Time Set in Q3
- Carlos Sainz, Ferrari 1:15.199
- George Russell, Williams 1:15.261
- Sebastian Vettel, Aston Martin 1:15.394
- Nicholas Latifi, Williams 1:15.593
- Fernando Alonso, Alpine 1:15.593
- Kimi Raikkonen, Alfa Romeo 1:15.974
- Antonio Giovinazzi, Alfa Romeo 1:16.122
- Mick Schumacher, Haas 1:16.279
- Nikita Mazepin, Haas 1:16.797
- Yuki Tsunoda, AlphaTauri No Time Set
11:39 AMGood afternoon
Good afternoon
And welcome to our live coverage for the 2021 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix from Imola. Well, yesterday's qualifying session was a cracker, wasn't? Only a tenth between Lewis Hamilton on pole and Max Verstappen in third. Sergio Pérez on the front row for Red Bull, how about that? Without a slight mistake here or there any one of those three could have been on pole.
Should it have been Verstappen? Perhaps, but it wasn't and he put a wheel onto the grass in his final run in Q3 which cost him time and possibly pole. Either way we are set for a cracking race at the front.
Hamilton seemed to be a little surprised to take pole. Here's what he had to say immediately after stepping out of the car.
I definitely didn’t expect us to be ahead of the two Red Bulls! They’ve been so quick this weekend. There were times when they were six-tenths ahead and we didn’t really know where we’d be. But the car was already feeling a lot better from the beginning this weekend.
I knew going into qualifying and especially that last lap, it was going to take something special. It really had to be the most perfect lap and a little bit more to beat the Red Bulls because they really have been so fast all weekend. And I didn’t honestly know whether we could do it.
The midfield was well and truly in touch, too. But for having his lap time deleted for exceeding track limits, Lando Norris could have put his McLaren on the front row and there was less than half-a-second separating Hamilton in first with his team-mate Valtteri Bottas in eighth. In fact, the very fact that Bottas can have a scruffy qualifying and finish as far down as that is remarkable. Normally that would have put him third, fourth and maybe even fifth.
Aside from Hamilton, the other standout performers were Charles Leclerc in fourth, Pierre Gasly in fifth, Esteban Ocon in ninth and probably George Russell in 12th. Mick Schumacher in his Haas was only a tenth or so away from the Alfa Romeo of Antonio Giovinazzi – and nearly six-tenths ahead of his team-mate – which is no bad feat.
Anyway, the race is all set up to be intriguing with two Red Bulls – on different starting tyres – up front with Hamilton the lone Mercedes. Not often this has happened in recent years. The lights go out at 2pm BST, and we will be here for all the build-up, action and reaction from Imola.