Max Verstappen comes from behind to pip Charles Leclerc to Emilia Romagna Grand Prix sprint race
Max Verstappen wins after losing lead at the start, overtaking Charles Leclerc
Leclerc second, Perez third; Lewis Hamilton finishes 14th
Christian Horner exclusive: Mercedes 'brain drain' to Red Bull led to High Court battle
Max Verstappen won Saturday's Sprint race after dramatically passing Charles Leclerc on the penultimate lap.
Verstappen started from the front at Imola before losing the lead to Leclerc following a slow getaway.
But after a frenetic conclusion to the 21-lap dash, Verstappen ruined Ferrari's homecoming party by fighting his way ahead of Leclerc at the Variante Tamburello to take the chequered flag and pole position for Sunday's Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.
But there was further misery for Lewis Hamilton after he started 13th and finished only 14th. Sergio Perez took third ahead of Ferrari's Carlos Sainz, with Lando Norris fifth for McLaren.
Leclerc is now 40 points clear of second-placed Sainz in the standings, with Hamilton 51 points back.
And with the full quota of points available for Sunday's Grand Prix, Hamilton's hopes of getting back into this year's championship fight could be all-but over after just four rounds.
World champion Verstappen secured pole in Friday's rain-hit qualifying, but the Dutchman was slow away from his marks and the in-form Leclerc took advantage.
The Monegasque, chasing Ferrari's first drivers' world title in 15 years, roared past Verstappen's Red Bull before beating his man into the opening chicane - his move greeted by a chorus of cheers from those supporters dressed in red.
Further back, Hamilton's getaway was sufficient, but he was soon gobbled up by AlphaTauri's Yuki Tsunoda and then the Aston Martin of Lance Stroll.
George Russell - in the other Mercedes - also fell back a place from 11th to 12th.
On the first lap, Pierre Gasly ran into the Alfa Romeo of rookie Zhou Guanyu. The Chinese driver ended up in the wall and the safety car was deployed to retrieve his stricken machine.
The race fired up again on lap four and Leclerc mastered the re-start to leaving Verstappen in his wake.
Hamilton was attached to Stroll's Aston Martin and finally made his way past on lap nine to move up to 14th, but the British driver failed to make any further ground, crossing the line an eye-watering 41.4 seconds behind Verstappen. Russell moved ahead of Sebastian Vettel in the closing stages to take 11th.
Hamilton and his Mercedes boss Toto Wolff were involved in a heated exchange after qualifying here on Friday evening. And the tension inside the Mercedes' garage is unlikely to have eased after yet another deeply-unsatisfactory showing.
Up front Leclerc looked on course to take the victory, but Verstappen denied the Monegasque by moving into the lead at the start of lap 20 and finished 2.9 seconds ahead of the Ferrari driver.
Emilia Romagna Sprint: Classification
Max Verstappen, Red Bull: 30min, 30.567sec 8pts
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari +2.975sec 7pts
Sergio Perez, Red Bull +4.721sec 6pts
Carlos Sainz, Ferrari +17.578sec 5pts
Lando Norris, McLaren +24.561sec 4pts
Daniel Ricciardo, McLaren +27.740sec 3pts
Valtteri Bottas, Alfa Romeo +28.133sec 2pts
Kevin Magnussen, Haas +30.712s 1pt
Fernando Alonso, Alpine +32.278sec
Mick Schumacher, Haas +33.773sec
George Russell, Mercedes +36.284sec
Yuki Tsunoda, AlphaTauri +38.928sec
Sebastian Vettel, Aston Martin +40.177sec
Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes +41.459sec
Lance Stroll, Aston Martin, +42.910sec
Esteban Ocon, Alpine +43.517sec
Pierre Gasly, AlphaTauri +43.794sec
Alexander Albon, Williams +48.871sec
Nicholas Latifi, Williams +52.017sec
DNF: Zhou Guanyu, Alfa Romeo
Emilia Romagna Sprint Race, as it happened
03:45 PMOkay, that's it from me today
Okay, that's it from me today
A pretty good sprint in the end. A good fight for the lead and a fair bit of action down the track too. Not much action for Mercedes, though. Their miserable season continues.
I'll be back tomorrow from around 12.45pm BST for all the build-up to the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix from Italy.
03:24 PMLeclerc reacts to his second place
Leclerc reacts to his second place
Could be worse, could be better.
"We need to make sure that we're ready"
Charles Leclerc reflects on starting P2 tomorrow for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix after a brilliant battle with Max Verstappen in today's sprint 👇 pic.twitter.com/DXeD6PCaeZ— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) April 23, 2022
03:23 PMSainz and Perez did well to come back there
Sainz and Perez did well to come back there
Sainz from 10th to fourth and Perez from seventh to third. I think that shows how far ahead those two cars are. Worries for Mercedes, though. In total they lost one place on their starting positions.
Mick Schumacher will start in 10th tomorrow. The Haas cars tried slightly different strategies which sort of worked. Magnussen was a little out of position on a dry track, though.
03:18 PMUpdated constructor standings
Updated constructor standings
Red Bull now into second ahead of Mercedes. 14 points for the Bulls and none for Mercedes will do that. Magnussen started fourth and dropped back a bit but Haas will be thankful that a single point is a disappointment these days.
03:15 PMUpdated driver standings - Top 12
Updated driver standings - Top 12
A bit of a reshuffle at the top, with Sainz moving into second, meaning Leclerc actually extends his championship lead.
03:14 PMSo, they have a sort of podium ceremony now
So, they have a sort of podium ceremony now
On a podium that looks 'socially distanced'. It's not for Covid reasons, I am sure, but it is quite spaced out. They all get a medal, too. Not sure if that's an improvement from last year but it's pretty irrelevant in the grand scheme.
03:09 PMVerstappen speaks after his sprint race victory
My start was not very good. It took a while to put the pressure on. I think we were a bit better on our tyres towards the end of the race. We had a good fight into turn two.
03:08 PMEmilia Romagna Sprint Race: Classification
- VER 8pts
- LEC 7pts
- PER 6pts
- SAI 5pts
- NOR 4pts
- RIC 3pts
- BOT 2pts
- MAG 1pt
- ALO
- MSC
- RUS
- TSU
- VET
- HAM
- STR
- OCO
- GAS
- ALB
- LAT
Verstappen speaks after his sprint race victory
My start was not very good. It took a while to put the pressure on. I think we were a bit better on our tyres towards the end of the race. We had a good fight into turn two.
03:08 PMEmilia Romagna Sprint Race: Classification
- VER 8pts
- LEC 7pts
- PER 6pts
- SAI 5pts
- NOR 4pts
- RIC 3pts
- BOT 2pts
- MAG 1pt
- ALO
- MSC
- RUS
- TSU
- VET
- HAM
- STR
- OCO
- GAS
- ALB
- LAT
Emilia Romagna Sprint Race: Classification
- VER 8pts
- LEC 7pts
- PER 6pts
- SAI 5pts
- NOR 4pts
- RIC 3pts
- BOT 2pts
- MAG 1pt
- ALO
- MSC
- RUS
- TSU
- VET
- HAM
- STR
- OCO
- GAS
- ALB
- LAT
DNF: ZHO
03:06 PMMAX VERSTAPPEN TAKES THE SPRINT RACE VICTORY
MAX VERSTAPPEN TAKES THE SPRINT RACE VICTORY
Eight points, but more importantly, he will line up on pole position for tomorrow's race. Leclerc second, Perez third, which is a good effort from seventh. Sainz fourth. So it will be Red Bull, Ferrari, Red Bull, Ferrari tomorrow. Nice. Then two McLarens.
03:05 PMFINAL LAP
FINAL LAP
Verstappen was patient, bided his time but the pace was there in the Red Bull, even if the start was not. Not much in it, though.
03:04 PMLap 20 of 21 - Verstappen takes the lead around the outside of Tamburello!
Lap 20 of 21 - Verstappen takes the lead around the outside of Tamburello!
He was closer that time! DRS helps and allows him to get much closer and be later on the brakes around the outside. Leclerc defends but Verstappen gives him enough room. Verstappen is already out of DRS range.
LAP 20/21
VERSTAPPEN GOES ROUND THE OUTSIDE AND TAKES THE LEAD!!!! 🤯#ImolaGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/KRL1IKs3X2— Formula 1 (@F1) April 23, 2022
Hamilton doesn't have the pace to overtake Vettel's Aston Martin. Russell into 11th.
03:02 PMLap 19 of 21 - Verstappen tells his engineer to leave him to it
Lap 19 of 21 - Verstappen tells his engineer to leave him to it
He's much closer into Rivazza this time. I think he's going to get him... another squirmy moment on the exit...
03:02 PMLap 18 of 21 - Sainz is going to get Norris
Lap 18 of 21 - Sainz is going to get Norris
He's taking a second - if not more - out of him per lap.
Verstappen will be closer this time, I am sure. He gets a bit of a wobble on in Rivazza 2. That costs him a little but. He still gets DRS... but Leclerc drives a wide car into the first chicane.
Leclerc looks to be struggling with his tyres now. And that normally does not end well. But there's only three laps left. Sainz is past Norris and Bottas past Magnussen. Hamilton still 14th.
03:00 PMLap 17 of 21 - Is this race over?
Lap 17 of 21 - Is this race over?
Doesn't look like it. Verstappen now within six tenths of Leclerc, DRS allowing him to close up. He's likely going to be much closer this lap than he was last lap. Let's see...
Sainz has superb pace and is within 2.5s of Norris ahead.
Verstappen gets DRS and is only marginally closer than he was last lap, thankfully for Ferrari. But is it enough for Leclerc? Yes. Just. Three more times they will get to do that.
02:58 PMLap 16 of 21 - Bottas late on the brakes into the first chicane and into eighth!
Lap 16 of 21 - Bottas late on the brakes into the first chicane and into eighth!
Nice move. Not the best day for Alonso so far.
Verstappen now within DRS range and he will get DRS. The Red Bull is mighty on the long pit straight.
02:57 PMLap 15 of 21 - Leclerc leads Verstappen by 1.3s
Lap 15 of 21 - Leclerc leads Verstappen by 1.3s
A DRS train behind Vettel in 11th now. Mick Schumacher has gone past him and into 10th. Russell, Tsunoda, Hamilton all have DRS.
02:56 PMLap 14 of 21 Top 10
- LEC
- VER
- PER
- NOR
- SAI
- RIC
- MAG
- ALO
- BOT
- VET
02:55 PMLap 13 of 21 - Leclerc leads Verstappen by 1.6s with Perez 6.2s behind his team-mate
Lap 14 of 21 Top 10
- LEC
- VER
- PER
- NOR
- SAI
- RIC
- MAG
- ALO
- BOT
- VET
02:55 PMLap 13 of 21 - Leclerc leads Verstappen by 1.6s with Perez 6.2s behind his team-mate
Lap 13 of 21 - Leclerc leads Verstappen by 1.6s with Perez 6.2s behind his team-mate
Schumacher on the back of Vettel.
Can Sainz get Ricciardo on the main straight? Yes he can. Into fifth now. Sainz making good progress here. Can he get Norris? He has 5.6s to make up.
02:53 PMLap 12 of 21 - Ricciardo is flying
Lap 12 of 21 - Ricciardo is flying
But the gap to Norris in fourth is probably a bit much with just 10 laps remaining.
02:52 PMLap 11 of 21 - The mediums have not worked out for Magnussen
Lap 11 of 21 - The mediums have not worked out for Magnussen
Leclerc has stretched his lead a little with the fastest lap of the race. 1.45s now his lead. Sainz sets after Magnussen and with the aid of DRS. He goes around the outside and is into sixth. Hamilton is still in 14th. Russell 12th.
LAP 12/21
Sainz snatches P6 from Magnussen and moves himself up 👏
He'll be chasing down Daniel Ricciardo next! 🥊#ImolaGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/RdWGod1H0y— Formula 1 (@F1) April 23, 2022
02:51 PMLap 10 of 21 - Perez close to Norris now
Lap 10 of 21 - Perez close to Norris now
Not the easiest track to overtake here but with DRS it should be easy-ish. Maybe not as easy as Magnussen.
He's ahead now...
Now Ricciardo gets Magnussen for fifth... he now has Sainz on his gearbox.
02:49 PMLap 9 of 21 - Top 10
- LEC
- VER
- NOR
- PER
- MAG
- RIC
- SAI
- ALO
- BOT
- VET
Lap 9 of 21 - Top 10
- LEC
- VER
- NOR
- PER
- MAG
- RIC
- SAI
- ALO
- BOT
- VET
Bottas into ninth with a move on Vettel in the usual place. Mick Schumacher is closing up on Vettel for 10th.
Verstappen nearly within DRS range of leader Leclerc.
02:47 PMLap 8 of 21 - Perez takes Magnussen for fourth with DRS on the main straight
Lap 8 of 21 - Perez takes Magnussen for fourth with DRS on the main straight
Easy in the end. Lando Norris back up the road.
Leclerc leads Verstappen by 1.3s with Lando Norris another 3.7s behind. Perez within two seconds of Norris.
Hamilton now up into 14th after passing Stroll.
02:46 PMLap 7 of 21 - Sainz gets Alonso for seventh
Lap 7 of 21 - Sainz gets Alonso for seventh
Nice move into the first corner and without DRS, which has just been activated. Perez is right on the back of Magnussen for fourth. I think he'll get him on the pit straight. He's very close now. He'll get DRS and be able to breeze past, I think...
"The Spanish battle has be won by Carlos Sainz!" 🇪🇸
Carlos Sainz is up to P7 with this overtake on Fernando Alonso 👇 pic.twitter.com/yyCTELX6lt— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) April 23, 2022
02:45 PMLap 6 of 21 - Not the easiest track to overtake here
Lap 6 of 21 - Not the easiest track to overtake here
How many places can Hamilton make up? Starting the sprint in 13th is not a disaster... if he could make ground and get into the top 10 for the race, where Mercedes will be stronger. But dropping down the order is not much of a help, is it?
02:43 PMLap 5 of 21 - Race restarts
Lap 5 of 21 - Race restarts
Clean and tidy on the restart for Leclerc this time. Alonso gets a wobble on and that allows Sainz a look at seventh place. Alonso is struggling with tyre warm-up, I think.
LAP 5/21
Carlos 🆚 Fernando!
The Spanish matador Alonso manages to hold on JUST as Sainz chases him down 🤯
It's getting tasty between these two! #ImolaGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/83BRo3w0OK— Formula 1 (@F1) April 23, 2022
Magnussen gets a black and white flag for weaving on the straight at the first start. Fair.
02:42 PMLap 4 of 21 - Safety Car in this lap
Lap 4 of 21 - Safety Car in this lap
Another restart, then. Can't be as bad as it was for Verstappen last time, can it? I mean, he only lost one place.
Leclerc backs the pack up as they head to the final chicane at Variante Alta.
Leclerc leads Verstappen, Norris, Magnussen, Perez and Ricciardo. Hamilton in 15th.
Here we go (again)...
02:41 PMLap 3 of 21 - It looks like it was Zhou's fault
Lap 3 of 21 - It looks like it was Zhou's fault
He didn't really give Gasly enough room on the inside.
02:40 PMLap 2 of 21 - Verstappen had issues off the line
Lap 2 of 21 - Verstappen had issues off the line
"Lovely gear sync, that," he says sarcastically.
Alonso also got swamped at the start.
Here is a bit more of that crash.
LAP 2/21
A closer look at the contact between Gasly and Zhou 🔎
Gasly has since pitted to replace his front wing and rejoins in P20 #ImolaGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/GZwfrFc2m3— Formula 1 (@F1) April 23, 2022
Magnussen weaving on the straight has been noted by the stewards. No word of an investigation here.
02:37 PMLap 1 of 21 - Running order
Lap 1 of 21 - Running order
Gasly has dropped to the back and has a front right puncture. He went up the inside of turn nine but not sure whose fault that was. Gasly into the pits.
Anyway, here's the top 15:
LEC
VER
NOR
MAG
PER
RIC
ALO
SAI
VET
BOT
MSC
RUS
TSU
STR
HAM
Hamilton drops back further still. Not sure how long this will take. This is the problem with sprint races. Any incidents like this and you lose a fair percentage of the running tume.
02:35 PMThe sprint race is go!
The sprint race is go!
It's a fine start for Leclerc who takes the lead off the line almost! He's clearly ahead by the braking zone. Hamilton has lost a place, as has Russell.
Norris keeps third, Magnussen fourth and Perez is up two spots into fifth already.
Yellow flags in sector two, it's Guanyu Zhou who has gone into the walls backwards. This will be a Safety Car.
02:34 PMHere we go...
Here we go...
We're nearly ready for lights out. The sun has gone back in. Verstappen will have been waiting on pole for quite a while. The back of the pack are very slow to form up.
Latifi says he's worried about Gasly's brakes catching on fire...
02:32 PMFormation lap under way...
Formation lap under way...
Fernando Alonso gets away very slowly, but he was stationery for a few seconds after the lights went out. He can make his way back up to his correct starting position on this lap, though he seems to currently be behind Perez half-way through the lap.
The formation lap is a GO 🙌
Alonso is a little late off the line but manages to get going! #ImolaGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/CLMNdMpF3f— Formula 1 (@F1) April 23, 2022
02:29 PMStarting tyre types
Starting tyre types
Everyone on the softs but Magnussen in fourth, Mick Scumacher in 12th and Latifi in 18th.
02:28 PMThe sun is out at Imola now, so rain looking unlikely
The sun is out at Imola now, so rain looking unlikely
"Let's hope it stays away," David Croft says on Sky Sports. Why do commentators do that? It's not a cricket match, David. Most F1 fans want rain.
02:26 PMPredictions?
Predictions?
Leclerc doesn't really need to be too aggressive with Verstappen. Not the end of the world if he has to back off and finish second to him, with all to play for tomorrow. But motor racing doesn't exist on paper.
02:22 PMFernando Alonso speaks to Sky Sports
I think we have very fast cars behind us. I will be happy around fifth at the end of the race.
Fernando Alonso speaks to Sky Sports
I think we have very fast cars behind us. I will be happy around fifth at the end of the race.
Fair enough. He was talking about Sainz and Perez behind him.
02:21 PM21 laps this race is, by the way
21 laps this race is, by the way
Should last about 30 minutes. Drivers get a free choice of tyres and will - or at least should - run without a pitstop.
02:20 PMWith 10 minutes to go, here's the starting grid for the sprint
With 10 minutes to go, here's the starting grid for the sprint
1. VER 2. LEC
3. NOR 4. MAG
5. ALO 6. RIC
7. PER 8. BOT
9. VET 10. SAI
11. RUS 12. MSC
13. HAM 14. ZHO
15. STR 16. TSU
17. GAS 18. LAT
19. OCO 20. ALB
No running at all for Ricciardo or Bottas in final practice. And very limited laps (6) for Lando Norris.
02:18 PMAverage qualifying positions so far this season - Top 10
- LEC 1.5
- VER 2.25
- PER 3.75
- SAI 5
- NOR 6.5
- RIC 8
- RUS 8.5
- MAG 9.25
- HAM 10.25
02:11 PMAnother weather update
Average qualifying positions so far this season - Top 10
- LEC 1.5
- VER 2.25
- PER 3.75
- SAI 5
- NOR 6.5
- RIC 8
- RUS 8.5
- MAG 9.25
- HAM 10.25
02:11 PMAnother weather update
Another weather update
In short, don't hold your breath for anything approaching damp.
Several drivers have mentioned spots of light rain on their reconnaissance laps to the grid but there are no signs of anything significant on the radar. https://t.co/0eNsvpXk9J#F1 #F1Sprint | #ImolaGP 🇮🇹
— MeteoMotorsport (@MeteoMotorsport) April 23, 2022
02:10 PMChristian Horner speaks to Sky Sports F1
It's weighing up the risk and reward. It's important to get a good start. Tyre choice for this race is going to be important. I think the DRS will be as powerful in the race. If you can get close enough out of the last turn it'll be there... and the Ferrari has quite a bit of clipping at the end of the straight.
If he [Perez] can get into the top four today, that'll be a great result for tomorrow's grand prix.
I'm sure it's going to be an anxious race for some of the reliability guys. It always is and it always is this time of year. Hopefully we'll be in good shape.
02:05 PMSmall spots of rain on the way into turn one, says Lando Norris
Christian Horner speaks to Sky Sports F1
It's weighing up the risk and reward. It's important to get a good start. Tyre choice for this race is going to be important. I think the DRS will be as powerful in the race. If you can get close enough out of the last turn it'll be there... and the Ferrari has quite a bit of clipping at the end of the straight.
If he [Perez] can get into the top four today, that'll be a great result for tomorrow's grand prix.
I'm sure it's going to be an anxious race for some of the reliability guys. It always is and it always is this time of year. Hopefully we'll be in good shape.
02:05 PMSmall spots of rain on the way into turn one, says Lando Norris
Small spots of rain on the way into turn one, says Lando Norris
Ooooh. Nothing to worry about at the moment.
02:03 PMThe pit lane is open
The pit lane is open
It's quite overcast at Imola. Looks like it could rain. But that does not mean it will.
To the grid. It's showtime. ✨ #F1 #F1Sprint #ImolaGP pic.twitter.com/430YY8ldcC
— Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant F1 Team (@AstonMartinF1) April 23, 2022
Unarguably the best session of Aston Martin's season, which has been miserable so far.
01:57 PMToto Wolff on Hamilton exchange after qualifying: 'There was no disagreement at all'
"There was no disagreement at all"
Toto Wolff clears up the frustrations he and Lewis Hamilton had after a difficult qualifying in Imola 👇 pic.twitter.com/KkU2tJFNRh
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) April 23, 2022
01:47 PMWill we get a dry session?
Toto Wolff on Hamilton exchange after qualifying: 'There was no disagreement at all'
"There was no disagreement at all"
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) April 23, 2022
Toto Wolff clears up the frustrations he and Lewis Hamilton had after a difficult qualifying in Imola 👇 pic.twitter.com/KkU2tJFNRh
01:47 PMWill we get a dry session?
Will we get a dry session?
On the balance of probabilities, yes.
#F1 #BBCF1 #IMOLAGP 1355BST UPDATE: Just over 1hr 30 to the sprint & it's not entirely unexpected to see FIA guidance to teams now revised down to a 40% risk of showers this afternoon/evening. Tomorrow's race currently a 60% risk (more reasonable, based on latest forecast info).
— Ian Fergusson (@fergieweather) April 23, 2022
01:43 PMCurrent constructor standings
Current constructor standings
Ferrari looking hard to dislodge at the moment. Red Bull cannot waste much more time... nor can they afford many more retirements for the rest of the season. It's not like Perez in seventh is that far ahead of Sainz, either.
01:37 PMYou can't beat a good onboard
You can't beat a good onboard
Not least of all around a good track.
AUDIO UP 🔊
Let Sergio Perez take you for a lap around Imola! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/CyfggiOBqf— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) April 23, 2022
01:31 PMCurrent driver standings - Top 10
01:16 PMFinal times after second practice
- George Russell (Gbr) Mercedes GP 1min 19.457secs
- Sergio Perez (Mex) Red Bull 1:19.538
- Charles Leclerc (Mon) Ferrari 1:19.740
- Lewis Hamilton (Gbr) Mercedes GP 1:19.992
- Fernando Alonso (Spa) Alpine 1:20.174
- Carlos Sainz Jr (Spa) Ferrari 1:20.258
- Max Verstappen (Ned) Red Bull 1:20.371
- Yuki Tsunoda (Jpn) Scuderia AlphaTauri 1:20.381
- Pierre Gasly (Fra) Scuderia AlphaTauri 1:20.439
- Guanyu Zhou (Chn) Alfa Romeo Racing 1:20.498
- Alexander Albon (Tha) Williams 1:20.591
- Kevin Magnussen (Den) Haas F1 1:20.740
- Mick Schumacher (Ger) Haas F1 1:20.977
- Lance Stroll (Can) Aston Martin 1:21.149
- Sebastian Vettel (Ger) Aston Martin 1:21.155
- Esteban Ocon (Fra) Alpine 1:21.179
- Nicholas Latifi (Can) Williams 1:21.263
- Lando Norris (Gbr) McLaren 1:23.821
- Daniel Ricciardo (Aus) McLaren No Time Set
- Valtteri Bottas (Fin) Alfa Romeo Racing No Time Set
01:09 PMHello and welcome once more F1 fans
Current driver standings - Top 10
01:16 PMFinal times after second practice
- George Russell (Gbr) Mercedes GP 1min 19.457secs
- Sergio Perez (Mex) Red Bull 1:19.538
- Charles Leclerc (Mon) Ferrari 1:19.740
- Lewis Hamilton (Gbr) Mercedes GP 1:19.992
- Fernando Alonso (Spa) Alpine 1:20.174
- Carlos Sainz Jr (Spa) Ferrari 1:20.258
- Max Verstappen (Ned) Red Bull 1:20.371
- Yuki Tsunoda (Jpn) Scuderia AlphaTauri 1:20.381
- Pierre Gasly (Fra) Scuderia AlphaTauri 1:20.439
- Guanyu Zhou (Chn) Alfa Romeo Racing 1:20.498
- Alexander Albon (Tha) Williams 1:20.591
- Kevin Magnussen (Den) Haas F1 1:20.740
- Mick Schumacher (Ger) Haas F1 1:20.977
- Lance Stroll (Can) Aston Martin 1:21.149
- Sebastian Vettel (Ger) Aston Martin 1:21.155
- Esteban Ocon (Fra) Alpine 1:21.179
- Nicholas Latifi (Can) Williams 1:21.263
- Lando Norris (Gbr) McLaren 1:23.821
- Daniel Ricciardo (Aus) McLaren No Time Set
- Valtteri Bottas (Fin) Alfa Romeo Racing No Time Set
01:09 PMHello and welcome once more F1 fans
Final times after second practice
- George Russell (Gbr) Mercedes GP 1min 19.457secs
- Sergio Perez (Mex) Red Bull 1:19.538
- Charles Leclerc (Mon) Ferrari 1:19.740
- Lewis Hamilton (Gbr) Mercedes GP 1:19.992
- Fernando Alonso (Spa) Alpine 1:20.174
- Carlos Sainz Jr (Spa) Ferrari 1:20.258
- Max Verstappen (Ned) Red Bull 1:20.371
- Yuki Tsunoda (Jpn) Scuderia AlphaTauri 1:20.381
- Pierre Gasly (Fra) Scuderia AlphaTauri 1:20.439
- Guanyu Zhou (Chn) Alfa Romeo Racing 1:20.498
- Alexander Albon (Tha) Williams 1:20.591
- Kevin Magnussen (Den) Haas F1 1:20.740
- Mick Schumacher (Ger) Haas F1 1:20.977
- Lance Stroll (Can) Aston Martin 1:21.149
- Sebastian Vettel (Ger) Aston Martin 1:21.155
- Esteban Ocon (Fra) Alpine 1:21.179
- Nicholas Latifi (Can) Williams 1:21.263
- Lando Norris (Gbr) McLaren 1:23.821
- Daniel Ricciardo (Aus) McLaren No Time Set
- Valtteri Bottas (Fin) Alfa Romeo Racing No Time Set
01:09 PMHello and welcome once more F1 fans
Hello and welcome once more F1 fans
Welcome to our coverage for the 2022 Emilia Romagna Sprint Race at Imola. As you may have realised by now, this is the first of three sprint race weekends, so the format is a little different to the usual three practice sessions, qualifying and race format. It's happening three times this year, which seems like a good balance and a way to keep things interesting.
Interesting is certainly a word I would use to describe yesterday's running in varying amounts and intensity of rain. The first practice session was pretty wet and the qualifying session (the traditional hour-long three part one) went from drying to damp. In the end it was Max Verstappen who mastered the conditions and came through no fewer than five red flags to take pole position and start first for this afternoon's sprint race.
It was Charles Leclerc in the Ferrari who will start alongside him, which is what we want to see is it not? The Ferrari driver is the current championship leader by a fair margin at this early stage - and 46 points ahead of Verstappen - so it's good to see these two go head-to-head and probably wheel-to-wheel in the sprint.
Some might say a better situation would be some issue befalling Leclerc and Verstappen making up points on him in the championship, ahead of tomorrow's grand prix... that may happen but you can't expect it. In a change to last year's sprint race rules there will be points awarded for the top eight finishers, in a simple 8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 format.
A couple of big winners from the qualifying, notably Kevin Magnussen, who will start fourth, Lando Norris (third) and Fernando Alonso (fifth). Five different teams in the top five isn't a bad thing.
There were a few big losers from qualifying yesterday, perhaps none more so than Carlos Sainz, who is already far adrift of his championship-leading team-mate after a difficult weekend in Australia where he failed to finish. It was another crash for him this time too, putting it into the barriers in second qualifying. It looks a long way back in the race and the championship for him now.
Mercedes had another problematic day, with both cars failing to make it into final qualifying. Their morning in practice was a little more positive, with George Russell finishing quickest but like Sainz, it is a long way back. There does not seem to be any real progress from them at the moment.