P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Max Verstappen was the sole Red Bull representative in Q3 at Imola – but still managed to keep his F1 pole position streak going despite a spirited challenge from McLaren.
Max Verstappen and Red Bull rebounded from a challenging start at Formula 1’s Imola weekend to secure pole position, narrowly beating the McLaren drivers in a heated qualifying session. Verstappen now equals Ayrton Senna’s record of eight consecutive F1 pole positions, with a chance to break it at Monaco. Despite initial struggles with the RB20, intensive overnight work and adjustments before qualifying paid off for Red Bull. The Ferraris and McLarens posed a serious threat for pole, but Verstappen managed to come out on top in Q3. George Russell impressed by finishing as the best of the rest, closely behind the top three teams. However, the session saw surprises and disappointments, including Sergio Perez’s crash and disappointments for Gasly and Alonso.