Yesterday’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola was a race steeped in both celebration and remembrance. It marked 30 years since the legendary Ayrton Senna lost his life on this very track during the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix. The poignant anniversary weekend culminated in a thrilling victory for Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.
Verstappen’s win wasn’t just any victory. It was his eighth consecutive pole position, a feat that tied him with the legendary Senna himself, who achieved the same in 1988 and 1989. Verstappen acknowledged the weight of the occasion, stating, “It’s 30 years since he passed away, so very special. I am very pleased to get pole and in a way it’s a nice memory to him.”
The race itself was a nail-biter. Verstappen controlled the lead for much of the Grand Prix, but a late surge by McLaren’s Lando Norris made for a tense finish. Ultimately, Verstappen held his nerve, crossing the line just over seven-tenths of a second ahead of Norris to claim his third consecutive win at Imola.
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc rounded out the podium in third place. For Mercedes, it was a race to forget, with Lewis Hamilton and George Russell finishing a disappointing sixth and seventh respectively.
Verstappen’s victory, achieved on the anniversary weekend of Senna’s passing, and his matching of Senna’s pole position record, ensured a layer of poignancy to the entire race. It was a fitting tribute to a motorsport icon, while also showcasing the talents of a modern-day champion.
