“Wow,” Max Verstappen thrilled to clinch pole after a “really difficult” weekend at Emilia Romagna GP

Max Verstappen was delighted after securing pole position at Imola after a difficult outing on Friday.

“Wow,” Max Verstappen thrilled to clinch pole after a “really difficult” weekend at Emilia Romagna GP

Max Verstappen (Via: Imago)

Max Verstappen has made a massive comeback at the Emilia Romagna GP as he clinched the pole position. The Dutchman faced multiple issues during the first two practice sessions. However, Red Bull worked over the issues and provided the 26-year-old with the best opportunity. Hence, Verstappen showcased his contentment on the team radio.

Max Verstappen suffered from major balancing and gripping issues around the Imola circuit. However, the Qualifying session was a different story as the reigning world champion scored the fastest possible lap. The 26-year-old recalled the ‘difficult weekend’ that he faced during the practice sessions. Subsequently, Verstappen revealed that Red Bull brought some changes to the RB20 before qualifying which helped him turn the session around for the Emilia Romagna GP.

Really difficult weekend so far, including this morning. We made some changes before qualifying.
Max Verstappen told on the team radio.
YouTube video

As a result, the Dutchman was extremely delighted to score a pole position on the Italian circuit. The 26-year-old will start the race in the front row as compared to Sergio Perez‘s nightmare P11 qualifying. Hence Verstappen claimed that it was amazing to drive the RB20 to its limit around the Imola circuit. The reigning world champion added that he was ‘pumping with adrenaline’ after such a dominant qualifying.

FS Video

Wow! To drive a car around here on the limit, I’m still pumping with adrenaline.

Max Verstappen added.

Max Verstappen claimed the pole position was ‘more special’ due to Ayrton Senna’s 30th Anniversary

The entire paddock was spotted respecting Ayrton Senna‘s legacy and 30th Anniversary of his crash at the Emilia Romagna GP. The paddock wore t-shirts to honor Senna’s death and also paid condolences to Ronald Ratzenberger. Max Verstappen was under fire as he was spotted donning a Red Bull jersey during Senna’s remembrance where everyone wore special t-shirts.

Max Verstappen alongside Sebastian Vettel, Stefano Domenicali, Nico Hulkenberg and Carlos Sainz for Senna Tribute
Max Verstappen alongside Sebastian Vettel, Stefano Domenicali, Nico Hulkenberg and Carlos Sainz for Senna Tribute (via IMAGO)

However, soon after clinching the pole, Verstappen shared that his pole position was more special. The qualifying was even better than the ‘great’ start to the season for the world champion. Senna’s 30th anniversary made the pole more special and the Dutchman was ‘pleased’ over this.

It's a great start to the year but it's very special as it's 30 years since [Senna died] very pleased to get pole here, it is very special.
Max Verstappen noted.

Hence, Verstappen might have a smooth sailing during the main race at the Emilia Romagna GP. The Dutchman will showcase yet another dominant performance and score an easy victory in Italy. Red Bull scored a great turnaround from the Friday sessions. However, Sergio Perez would need to improve on Sunday.

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