P1racenews AI automatic summary:
A grid penalty and a pitlane start mean that the grid for Formula 1’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix differs from the pure qualifying results
The grid for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Formula 1 is different from the pure qualifying results due to a grid penalty and a pitlane start. McLaren driver Oscar Piastri was supposed to be Max Verstappen’s closest rival, but a penalty moved his teammate Lando Norris to line up alongside Verstappen. Fernando Alonso gives up 19th place on the grid to start from the pitlane for breaching parc ferme rules intentionally. The top 10 grid positions are: 1. Max Verstappen (Red Bull), 2. Lando Norris (McLaren), 3. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari), 4. Carlos Sainz (Ferrari), 5. Oscar Piastri (McLaren), 6. George Russell (Mercedes), 7. Yuki Tsunoda (RB), 8. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes), 9. Daniel Ricciardo (RB), 10. Nico Hulkenberg (Haas). Alonso hinted at the pitlane start after poor qualifying, citing strategic benefits and the need to avoid incidents like the F2 crash on Saturday for the sake of parts and safety. Points seem unrealistic, making the pitlane start a viable option.
