F1 Imola GP 2024 LIVE: Race results, standings and updates as Max Verstappen holds off Lando Norris

Max Verstappen held off a dramatic Lando Norris fightback to win the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

Verstappen crossed the line just 0.725 seconds clear of Norris in Imola to take his fifth victory from the seven rounds so far.

Charles Leclerc finished third for Ferrari, one place ahead of McLaren’s Oscar Piastri with Carlos Sainz fifth. Lewis Hamilton and George Russell finished sixth and seventh respectively for Mercedes.

Verstappen looked to be on course to claim a comfortable win, but Norris’ superb charge in the closing stages left the Dutchman sweating inside his all-conquering Red Bull. After the sole round of pit-stops, Verstappen held a steady lead of around six seconds, but a turgid race suddenly came alive when Verstappen could offer little response to Norris’ speed.

Follow latest updates from the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix with The Independent

F1 EMILIA ROMAGNA GRAND PRIX - LATEST UPDATES

• Max Verstappen wins the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix; Norris 2nd; Leclerc 3rd

• Click HERE for the top-10 at Imola

• CLOSE! Norris almost catches Verstappen in the final laps

• START! Max Verstappen holds off Lando Norris at the start

• Fernando Alonso started in the pit lane

• Oscar Piastri was handed a three-place grid drop for impeding Kevin Magnussen in qualifying

• PREVIEW: The key steps for Lando Norris to become an F1 title contender

Goodbye!

19:09 , Kieran Jackson

Thanks for tuning in to our coverage of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix this weekend!

Next week, it’s Monaco. See you then!

Lando Norris ‘hurts’ after finishing behind Max Verstappen: ‘I would have had him’

18:31 , Kieran Jackson

Lando Norris felt he needed just one more lap to beat Max Verstappen in Sunday’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

The British driver finished only 0.725 seconds behind Verstappen in Imola as a turgid race sensationally came alive in the closing laps.

After the sole round of pit-stops, Verstappen looked set to canter to the chequered flag, but Norris – fresh from his maiden win in Miami a fortnight ago – launched a brilliant late surge.

With five laps remaining, Norris was within 1.5 seconds off Verstappen, and as they entered the 63rd and final tour here, the Red Bull was a mere nine tenths up the road.

But despite Norris’s herculean efforts, he came up agonisingly short of a second win in as many races.

Lando Norris ‘hurts’ after finishing behind Max Verstappen: ‘I would have had him’

Constructors’ standings after the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix:

17:50 , Kieran Jackson

1. Red Bull - 268 points

2. Ferrari - 212 points

3. McLaren - 154 points

4. Mercedes - 79 points

5. Aston Martin - 44 points

6. RB - 20 points

7. Haas - 7 points

8. Alpine - 1 point

9. Williams - 0 points

10. Sauber - 0 points

Lewis Hamilton’s reaction after P6 at Imola:

17:31 , Kieran Jackson

Driver Standings after the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix:

17:18 , Kieran Jackson

1. Max Verstappen - 161 points

2. Charles Leclerc - 113 points

3. Sergio Perez - 107 points

4. Lando Norris - 101 points

5. Carlos Sainz - 93 points

6. Oscar Piastri - 53 points

7. George Russell - 44 points

8. Lewis Hamilton - 35 points

9. Fernando Alonso - 33 points

10. Yuki Tsunoda - 15 points

11. Lance Stroll - 11 points

12. Oliver Bearman - 6 points

13. Nico Hulkenberg - 6 points

14. Daniel Ricciardo - 5 points

15. Esteban Ocon - 1 point

16. Kevin Magnussen - 1 point

17. Alex Albon - 0 points

18. Zhou Guanyu - 0 points

19. Pierre Gasly - 0 points

20. Valtteri Bottas - 0 points

21. Logan Sargeant - 0 points

Race report: Max Verstappen holds off charging Lando Norris to take victory in Imola

17:01 , Kieran Jackson

Max Verstappen held off a dramatic Lando Norris fightback to win the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

Verstappen crossed the line just 0.725 seconds clear of Norris in Imola to take his fifth victory from the seven rounds so far.

Charles Leclerc finished third for Ferrari, one place ahead of McLaren’s Oscar Piastri with Carlos Sainz fifth. Lewis Hamilton and George Russell finished sixth and seventh respectively for Mercedes.

Verstappen looked to be on course to claim a comfortable win, but Norris’ superb charge in the closing stages left the Dutchman sweating inside his all-conquering Red Bull.

After the sole round of pit-stops, Verstappen held a steady lead of around six seconds, but a turgid race suddenly came alive when Verstappen could offer little response to Norris’ speed.

Full piece below:

Max Verstappen holds off charging Lando Norris to take victory in Imola

Always such great insight in the cool-down room!

16:45 , Kieran Jackson

Red Bull boss Christian Horner:

16:33 , Kieran Jackson

“Lando was coming on very strong! He started to catch us very quickly. The cars are converging, they’re becoming very similar. It’s always going to happen when you’ve got stable rules.

“On Friday night, we were thinking second row would be a good result. The team collectively have done a great job this weekend! Max was pushed very hard by Lando, two guys at the top of their game, like Tyson Fury last night, fantastic racing!

“Things don’t stand still in Formula 1, we’ve won five of the seven races but McLaren and Ferrari have made a step, we’re going to need that rate of development coming through.

“Monaco, completely different venue. Qualifying, race is won virtually on Saturday.”

Time for the podium!

16:21 , Kieran Jackson

Back to the familiar combo - the Dutch and Austrian national anthems to celebrate Max Verstappen and Red Bull’s victory!

Quite the scene at Imola, with thousands of fans on the track! Needless to say, biggest cheer was for Charles Leclerc’s appearance on the podium!

Leclerc, incidentally, now moves past Sergio Perez and up to P2 in the drivers’ championship!

Charles Leclerc after his first podium at Imola:

16:12 , Kieran Jackson

“At least it’s a podium, I’m only very happy when I win. We didn’t quite make it. I tried to push to put pressure on Lando but they were incredibly quick.

“It’s looking good for the rest of the season. Monaco is going to be very special of course, as special as here in Imola. A lot of red!”

Lando Norris after finishing second:

16:04 , Kieran Jackson

“One or two more laps I think I would’ve had him. Tough, shame. Lost out a bit too much to Max in the beginning, it was a tough first half and much better second half. Just not today.

“We’re at a point now where we’re in the position of Ferrari and Red Bull, it’s what we have to get used to. It’s business as usual, focusing on doing the same things, fighting for first or second now. It’s frustrating not to win but after the improvements we made it’s what we should expect.”

Max Verstappen after his victory:

15:56 , Kieran Jackson

“The whole race I had to push. The hard tyres were difficult, the last 10-15 laps I had no grip and I saw Lando closing in, it was flat out! Very difficult when the tyres weren’t working anymore. Super happy to win today!

“We changed a lot on the car. We can be incredibly pleased with the pole and the win!”

TOP-10 IN THE EMILIA ROMAGNA GRAND PRIX:

15:49 , Kieran Jackson

1. Max Verstappen

2. Lando Norris

3. Charles Leclerc

4. Oscar Piastri

5. Carlos Sainz

6. Lewis Hamilton

7. George Russell (fastest lap)

8. Sergio Perez

9. Lance Stroll

10. Yuki Tsunoda

Lando Norris on team radio:

15:43 , Kieran Jackson

“Unlucky. Almost! We lost too much in the beginning but another amazing weekend, well done everybody. Let’s keep it up!”

“One or two more laps! It’s frustrating not to win, it’s more painful now!”

Max Verstappen after winning from pole:

15:35 , Kieran Jackson

“F*** mate! I had to work for that. We did a great race considering how the weekend started, had to work hard for that.”

Max Verstappen wins the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix!

15:30 , Kieran Jackson

So close for Lando Norris, but it’s Max Verstappen’s victory in Imola! In the end, Norris finished just 0.7 seconds behind the Red Bull!

Charles Leclerc finishes third, for a podium finish for Ferrari!

4-10: Piastri, Sainz, Hamilton, Russell, Perez, Stroll, Tsunoda

Max Verstappen leads by one second before the final lap (Lap 63/63)

15:29 , Kieran Jackson

Norris so close to getting DRS, but not quite!

Final lap!

Max Verstappen on team radio (Lap 62/63)

15:27 , Kieran Jackson

“Battery is almost empty.”

It’s been tough for Red Bull - but he looks alright now. 1.2 seconds is the gap, but just two laps left...

Max Verstappen keeping Lando Norris behind him (Lap 60/63)

15:25 , Kieran Jackson

Just when he needs to, Max is finding some pace!

1.8 seconds is now the gap, with Verstappen going slightly quicker in the last lap or two.

Think Norris’ tyres are dropping off now...

Top-10: Verstappen, Norris, Leclerc, Piastri, Sainz, Hamilton, Russell, Perez, Stroll, Tsunoda

Norris reeling in Verstappen (Lap 58/63)

15:22 , Kieran Jackson

“I’m pushing as much as I can mate thank you!” Norris says, with his engineer saying he can push more at turn 9!

It’s now 1.5 seconds. Norris very much pushing to the limit around Imola right now!

Can he somehow get a second race win?!

Lando Norris cuts gap to Max Verstappen (Lap 56/63)

15:19 , Kieran Jackson

Wow, wow, wow. Norris is carving this Verstappen lead - it’s now just two seconds!

Can Lando win this?! The pace he has found has been incredible!

Seven laps to go...

George Russell pits (Lap 54/63)

15:16 , Kieran Jackson

Russell pits - 2.2 seconds - for what is effectively a free pit stop!

He comes out still in seventh, dropping a place behind Hamilton ahead of Perez, and could well look to set the fastest lap now with fresh rubber!

However, he’s now 22 seconds behind Hamilton and has lost a place!

Lando Norris on radio (Lap 52/63)

15:15 , Kieran Jackson

“I’m pushing, yes yes yes!”

Gap to Verstappen now down to 4.2 seconds.

Top-10: Verstappen, Norris, Leclerc, Piastri, Sainz, Russell, Hamilton, Perez, Stroll, Tsunoda

Max Verstappen leads but isn’t happy (Lap 51/63)

15:14 , Kieran Jackson

Verstappen: “Yeah my tyres don’t work mate!”

Norris has suddenly found some mate - and has cut the gap from six seconds to 4.5 seconds...

Can he get any closer?!

Lando Norris holds off Charles Leclerc (Lap 48/63)

15:10 , Kieran Jackson

Leclerc got about within half-a-second - but no nearer!

Lando Norris doing enough, before Leclerc makes a mistake and cuts the chicane! The gap now back to two seconds between second and third.

Top-10: Verstappen, Norris, Leclerc, Piastri, Sainz, Russell, Hamilton, Perez, Tsunoda, Stroll

16 laps to go at Imola...

Lando Norris under pressure from Charles Leclerc (Lap 43/63)

15:02 , Kieran Jackson

Big moment for the podium make-up here!

Leclerc is now within DRS of Norris, 0.8 secs the gap!

Can the McLaren - who has been short of pace today - hold off the Ferrari?!

Sergio Perez moves up to P9 (Lap 41/63)

14:59 , Kieran Jackson

Perez quickly carving through the field, overtaking Ricciardo and Hulkenberg with ease.

Next in line? Yuki Tsunoda. A battle off track for the 2025 Red Bull seat could be on track in a few laps...

Sergio Perez pits (Lap 39/63)

14:57 , Kieran Jackson

Red Bull listened to me!

They pit Perez and the Mexican drops to 11th on quicker, medium tyres, behind Daniel Ricciardo.

His progress will be interesting!

Top-10: Verstappen, Norris, Leclerc, Piastri, Sainz, Russell, Hamilton, Tsunoda, Hulkenberg, Ricciardo

Nobody in the top-10 is within DRS of the cat in front...

Lewis Hamilton passes Sergio Perez (Lap 37/63)

14:54 , Kieran Jackson

Hamilton goes around the outside of the Red Bull and takes seventh place, with Perez’s hard tyres definitely falling off now!

When will Red Bull pit the Mexican?!

Lando Norris radio exchange (Lap 35/63)

14:51 , Kieran Jackson

Norris: “Where am I so much slower than the guys behind?

Engineer: “Lando, they’re using their tyres massively more than us

Norris: “Yeah but I have no pace!”

The gap to Verstappen is 6.2 secs, with Leclerc behind him three seconds down the road.

4-10: Piastri, Sainz, Russell, Perez, Hamilton, Stroll, Magnussen

Oscar Piastri sets the fastest lap (Lap 32/63)

14:47 , Kieran Jackson

Speedy from the Aussie on his set of hard tyres!

He’s in fourth, less than a second behind Charles Leclerc in third.

Out in front, Max Verstappen’s lead to Lando Norris is 6.5 seconds.

Carlos Sainz and Lewis Hamilton pits (Lap 27/63)

14:42 , Kieran Jackson

Sainz comes in for Ferrari, 2.7 second stop, and is back in sixth place.

Hamilton, meanwhile, drops from second to ninth after his pit stop.

Max Verstappen retakes the lead!

Top-10: Verstappen, Norris, Leclerc, Piastri, Perez (not pitted), Sainz, Russell, Stroll (not pitted), Hamilton, Magnussen (not pitted)

Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc pit (Lap 26/63)

14:39 , Kieran Jackson

Both pit stops under three seconds and Verstappen gets out ahead of Norris, by a safe margin.

Leclerc pits a lap later and is behind Sergio Perez in sixth.

So Carlos Sainz now leads this race, with Lewis Hamilton in second ahead of Verstappen - but the front two have not pitted!

Lando Norris passes Sergio Perez! (Lap 24/63)

14:37 , Kieran Jackson

Norris gets the move done down the main straight with ease, he’s up to fifth.

Meanwhile, Verstappen has been given the black-and-white flag for track limits! That’s his last chance - if he crosses the white line again, it’ll be a five-second penalty.

Lando Norris pits (Lap 23/63)

14:35 , Kieran Jackson

2.4 seconds is a solid stop for Norris, who pits from second and he comes out just behind Sergio Perez in seventh!

Not ideal for the McLaren!

Will Ferrari or Verstappen respond?

Max Verstappen with a healthy lead (Lap 22/63)

14:33 , Kieran Jackson

“My front left tyre is not good,” says Verstappen to his engineer. Still, 6.6 seconds in front of Lando Norris.

George Russell complaining of tyre issues as well - and he pits from sixth! 2.4 seconds, and he comes out in 10th.

Charles Leclerc’s strategy decided (Lap 18/63)

14:29 , Kieran Jackson

“We are going plan B,” says Leclerc’s engineer.

Meanwhile, Sergio Perez goes off track into the gravel, losing around five seconds, but he gets his Red Bull back on track!

Max Verstappen extends his lead (Lap 16/63)

14:25 , Kieran Jackson

Verstappen’s lead is getting bigger - it’s now 4.8 seconds, so enough for a pit stop not to matter!

The Red Bull is quick... who’d have thought it?!

Leclerc is 1.2 secs behind Norris, while Piastri has fallen back slightly from Sainz.

Are McLaren losing a bit of pace? Perhaps.

Top-10: Verstappen, Norris, Leclerc, Sainz, Piastri, Russell, Hamilton, Perez, Stroll, Ocon

Yuki Tsunoda pits (Lap 13/63)

14:22 , Kieran Jackson

Tsunoda the first of the frontrunners to pit - 2.3 secs - and he drops from ninth to 15th, in open air.

What is the pace of the hard tyre then?

Meanwhile, Alonso’s brakes were on fire after his pit stop, but more pace put the flames out! Bit mad!

Albon makes it back (lap 12/63)

14:19 , Kieran Jackson

Albon avoids cars speeding past him and makes it back to the pits, and switches back to medium tyres.

But he’s already a lap down! Nightmare for Williams!

Anyhow, at the front, Verstappen’s lead is now 3.1 seconds.

Oscar Piastri is very close to Carlos Sainz now, just 0.3 secs off, but can’t squeeze through after the home straight!

Top-10: Verstappen, Norris, Leclerc, Sainz, Piastri, Russell, Hamilton, Hulkenberg, Tsunoda, Perez

Alex Albon in trouble! (Lap 10/63)

14:17 , Kieran Jackson

Albon: “I’ve got a problem, the tyre is not on properly.”

He is going slowly for Williams! He’s just pitted, can he make it back around?

Carlos Sainz:

14:14 , Kieran Jackson

“McLaren is fast.”

A nervous Ferrari driver with Oscar Piastri right on his gearbox!

Max Verstappen opens up a two-second lead (Lap 7/63)

14:13 , Kieran Jackson

Verstappen lapping quicker than Norris right now, with a lead bang on two seconds.

Leclerc 1.4 secs off Norris, with Sainz a second further back.

Closest battle is Piastri in fifth, who is half-a-second off Sainz - but overtaking is tricky here with just one DRS zone!

Top-10: Verstappen, Norris, Leclerc, Sainz, Piastri, Russell, Hamilton, Hulkenberg, Tsunoda, Perez

Lando Norris has DRS behind Max Verstappen (Lap 3/63)

14:08 , Kieran Jackson

The McLaren just about keeping in DRS range, 0.8 secs off Verstappen.

But all the cars pretty smoothly through the opening laps so far!

Top-10: Verstappen, Norris, Leclerc, Sainz, Piastri, Russell, Hamilton, Hulkenberg, Tsunoda, Perez

Leclerc around a second off Norris, with Sainz just half-a-second off his team-mate!

Max Verstappen retains the lead at the start! (Lap 1/63)

14:05 , Kieran Jackson

It’s lights out - and Verstappen and Norris got away evenly, but the Red Bull keeps the lead heading into Tamburello!

Every car got a clean run - and Lewis Hamilton is up to seventh!

Yuki Tsunoda drops to P9, with Nico Hulkenberg up to eighth

Formation lap!

14:01 , Kieran Jackson

Max Verstappen leads the pack around for the formation lap!

Everybody on the medium tyre to start aside than Sergio Perez in 11th, who is on the hard tyre.

It’s set to be a one-stop race, hence the near-identity strategy amongst the drivers.

It’s time for race No 7!

Starting grid for F1 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix

13:58 , Kieran Jackson

1. Max Verstappen

2. Lando Norris

3. Charles Leclerc

4. Carlos Sainz

5. Oscar Piastri*

6. George Russell

7. Yuki Tsunoda

8. Lewis Hamilton

9. Daniel Ricciardo

10. Nico Hulkenberg

11. Sergio Perez

12. Esteban Ocon

13. Lance Stroll

14. Alex Albon

15. Pierre Gasly

16. Valtteri Bottas

17. Kevin Magnussen

18. Zhou Guanyu

19. Logan Sargeant

Pit lane - Fernando Alonso**

*Piastri was handed a three-place grid drop for impeding Magnussen in qualifying

**Fernando Alonso will now start in the pit-lane after changing his car setup

F1 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix LIVE:

13:58 , Kieran Jackson

Here we go then!

It’s an Imola circuit baked in sunshine, with no rain on the radar!

Can Max Verstappen hold the lead at the start? We’re about to find out!

Max Verstappen:

13:55 , Kieran Jackson

“It’s a bit unknown on the long runs. We had a better balance in qualifying so naturally that will help, we don’t know.

“We’ll see now.”

Can the Red Bull hold off Lando Norris at the start?

Fernando Alonso:

13:52 , Kieran Jackson

“It’s more a learning session for us, it’ll be difficult to take some points. We need some conclusions.”

Alonso starts in the pit lane today...

McLaren CEO Zak Brown:

13:50 , Kieran Jackson

“I think the top-five cars can win today, we have two in the top-five. Two fast race cars, we’re going to see a great race today.

“We’ve got the pace to win today, Oscar needs to make his way to the front. Let’s see what Lando can do at the front...”

P2 for Norris; P5 for Piastri.

Time for the Italian national anthem at Imola!

13:47 , Kieran Jackson

The drivers are gathered at the front of the grid as the Italian national anthem - Il Canto degli Italiani!

World No 2 tennis player Aryna Sabalenka:

13:44 , Kieran Jackson

“I’ve always been a Formula 1 fan, super excited to feel the whole atmosphere here. It’s so cool!

“Being here around the cars - it’s something new. I cannot see myself doing all this stuff before the biggest match of my life. It’s really cool!”

Hugh Grant:

13:40 , Kieran Jackson

“I’m always hoping for a Ferrari win. I’m a Ferrari man. The glamorous classy team - a bit like me!”

Ex-Ferari driver Eddie Irvine:

13:37 , Kieran Jackson

On racing for Ferrari in Italy: “It’s weird but it doesn’t seem like it was me. Different life! I feel like a complete civilian, it’s nice to have the access that Stefano gives me.”

Emilia Romagna Grand Prix - race odds!

13:34 , Kieran Jackson

Emilia Romagna Grand Prix - Race Winner

• Max Verstappen - 2/5

• Lando Norris - 3/1

• Charles Leclerc - 9/1

• Oscar Piastri - 14/1

• Carlos Sainz - 28/1

• George Russell - 80/1

• Sergio Perez - 100/1

• Lewis Hamilton - 125/1

• Yuki Tsunoda - 200/1

• Daniel Ricciardo - 250/1

• Fernando Alonso, Nico Hulkenberg - 500/1

Odds via Betway

Driver Standings ahead of the race today:

13:30 , Kieran Jackson

1. Max Verstappen - 136 points

2. Sergio Perez - 103 points

3. Charles Leclerc - 98 points

4. Lando Norris - 83 points

5. Carlos Sainz - 83 points

6. Oscar Piastri - 41 points

7. George Russell - 37 points

8. Fernando Alonso - 33 points

9. Lewis Hamilton - 27 points

10. Yuki Tsunoda -14 points

11. Lance Stroll - 9 points

12. Oliver Bearman - 6 points

13. Nico Hulkenberg - 6 points

14. Daniel Ricciardo - 5 points

15. Esteban Ocon - 1 point

16. Kevin Magnussen - 1 point

17. Alex Albon - 0 points

18. Zhou Guanyu - 0 points

19. Pierre Gasly - 0 points

20. Valtteri Bottas - 0 points

21. Logan Sargeant - 0 points

Where can Yuki Tsunoda finish today?

13:25 , Kieran Jackson

One of the stars of qualifying yesterday, the Japanese driver starts in seventh for RB - ahead of Lewis Hamilton.

More points on the cards?

F1 qualifying report: Max Verstappen sees off McLaren challenge at Imola to match Ayrton Senna’s pole record

13:20 , Kieran Jackson

Max Verstappen saw off McLaren’s challenge to match Ayrton Senna’s record of eight consecutive pole positions for Sunday’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

At the Imola venue which claimed Senna’s life 30 years ago, Verstappen’s drew level with the great Brazilian.

Oscar Piastri took second for McLaren – just 0.074 seconds behind Verstappen – with Lando Norris, who broke his duck in Miami a fortnight ago, only 0.091 sec adrift.

However, Piastri could face a grid penalty for blocking Haas’s Kevin Magnussen in Q1.

Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz qualified fourth and fifth respectively for Ferrari, with George Russell sixth – half-a-second behind – and two places ahead of Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton.

Verstappen sees off McLaren challenge at Imola to match Senna’s pole record

What a privilege this was for the four-time world champion!

13:11 , Kieran Jackson

Starting grid for F1 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix

12:57 , Kieran Jackson

1. Max Verstappen

2. Lando Norris

3. Charles Leclerc

4. Carlos Sainz

5. Oscar Piastri*

6. George Russell

7. Yuki Tsunoda

8. Lewis Hamilton

9. Daniel Ricciardo

10. Nico Hulkenberg

11. Sergio Perez

12. Esteban Ocon

13. Lance Stroll

14. Alex Albon

15. Pierre Gasly

16. Valtteri Bottas

17. Kevin Magnussen

18. Zhou Guanyu

Pit lane) Fernando Alonso**

20. Logan Sargeant

*Piastri was handed a three-place grid drop for impeding Magnussen in qualifying

**Fernando Alonso will now start in the pit-lane after changing his car setup

It wasn’t just Ayrton Senna who died at Imola 30 years ago...

12:53 , Kieran Jackson

Lovely tribute from Sky here on Roland Ratzenberger...

Start time for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix:

12:49 , Kieran Jackson

The race starts at 2pm (BST).

The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix will be broadcast live on Sky Sports in the United Kingdom - and ESPN in the United States. Sky’s coverage of Sunday’s race starts at 12:30pm (BST).

Constructors’ standings ahead of the race:

12:43 , Kieran Jackson

1. Red Bull - 239 points

2. Ferrari - 187 points

3. McLaren - 124 points

4. Mercedes - 64 points

5. Aston Martin - 42 points

6. RB - 19 points

7. Haas - 7 points

8. Alpine - 1 point

9. Williams - 0 points

10. Sauber - 0 points

The drivers have arrived at the Imola circuit!

12:33 , Kieran Jackson

Emilia Romagna Grand Prix race odds!

12:29 , Kieran Jackson

Emilia Romagna Grand Prix - Race Winner

• Max Verstappen - 2/5

• Lando Norris - 3/1

• Charles Leclerc - 9/1

• Oscar Piastri - 14/1

• Carlos Sainz - 28/1

• George Russell - 80/1

• Sergio Perez - 100/1

• Lewis Hamilton - 125/1

• Yuki Tsunoda - 200/1

• Daniel Ricciardo - 250/1

• Fernando Alonso, Nico Hulkenberg - 500/1

Odds via Betway

BREAKING: Fernando Alonso will start in the pit lane

12:20 , Kieran Jackson

The Aston Martin driver - who only qualified 19th on the grid - will start the race in the pit lane having changed his car setup.

What can the Spaniard do from there?!

Max Verstappen fumes at Lewis Hamilton after obstruction: ‘My god!’

12:10 , Kieran Jackson

A furious Max Verstappen deliberately drove in front of Lewis Hamilton as the one-time rivals clashed in practice for Sunday’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

Verstappen, who was aggrieved that Hamilton had obstructed him on a flying lap, launched his Red Bull into the Mercedes driver’s path here in Imola.

Although Verstappen made sure to avoid making any contact with Hamilton’s machine, the championship leader slowed down to make his feelings clear by taking his left hand off the steering wheel and gesticulating in Hamilton’s direction.

Full piece below:

Max Verstappen fumes at Lewis Hamilton after obstruction: ‘My god!’

Constructors’ standings ahead of the race:

11:59 , Kieran Jackson

1. Red Bull - 239 points

2. Ferrari - 187 points

3. McLaren - 124 points

4. Mercedes - 64 points

5. Aston Martin - 42 points

6. RB - 19 points

7. Haas - 7 points

8. Alpine - 1 point

9. Williams - 0 points

10. Sauber - 0 points

Adrian Newey drops major hint over next move after Red Bull exit

11:43 , Kieran Jackson

Adrian Newey admits he is “seriously considering” joining another F1 team after he leaves Red Bull next year.

The 65-year-old design guru, who is credited with the current iteration of Red Bull car which is dominating the sport at the moment, is leaving Red Bull at the start of 2025 following 19 years with Christian Horner’s team.

Newey stated last week he was looking forward to a break, stating he was “a bit tired.” He added that he has not made up his mind yet about his future.

However, with Ferrari favourites to land Newey, the designer has revealed he will “probably go again” and join another team in the sport.

Full quotes below:

Adrian Newey drops major hint over next move after Red Bull exit

Driver Standings ahead of the race today:

11:28 , Kieran Jackson

1. Max Verstappen - 136 points

2. Sergio Perez - 103 points

3. Charles Leclerc - 98 points

4. Lando Norris - 83 points

5. Carlos Sainz - 83 points

6. Oscar Piastri - 41 points

7. George Russell - 37 points

8. Fernando Alonso - 33 points

9. Lewis Hamilton - 27 points

10. Yuki Tsunoda -14 points

11. Lance Stroll - 9 points

12. Oliver Bearman - 6 points

13. Nico Hulkenberg - 6 points

14. Daniel Ricciardo - 5 points

15. Esteban Ocon - 1 point

16. Kevin Magnussen - 1 point

17. Alex Albon - 0 points

18. Zhou Guanyu - 0 points

19. Pierre Gasly - 0 points

20. Valtteri Bottas - 0 points

21. Logan Sargeant - 0 points

Lewis Hamilton would like to see teenager Kimi Antonelli replace him at Mercedes

11:14 , Kieran Jackson

Lewis Hamilton has called on Mercedes boss Toto Wolff to replace him with 17-year-old Kimi Antonelli.

Seven-time world champion Hamilton will leave a vacant seat at the Silver Arrows when he joins Ferrari in 2025.

Wolff has flirted with Max Verstappen while Carlos Sainz – making way for Hamilton at Ferrari – is also a contender for the seat.

“Carlos is a great driver so wherever he goes he would be a positive for any team,” said Hamilton ahead of this weekend’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Imola.

“I have no idea what Toto’s plans are, but for me, if it was my job and my role, I would take on a youngster, and I would take on Kimi.”

Lewis Hamilton would like to see teenager Kimi Antonelli replace him at Mercedes

Starting grid for F1 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix

10:59 , Kieran Jackson

1. Max Verstappen

2. Lando Norris

3. Charles Leclerc

4. Carlos Sainz

5. Oscar Piastri*

6. George Russell

7. Yuki Tsunoda

8. Lewis Hamilton

9. Daniel Ricciardo

10. Nico Hulkenberg

11. Sergio Perez

12. Esteban Ocon

13. Lance Stroll

14. Alex Albon

15. Pierre Gasly

16. Valtteri Bottas

17. Kevin Magnussen

18. Zhou Guanyu

19. Fernando Alonso

20. Logan Sargeant

*Piastri was handed a three-place grid penalty for impeding Magnussen in qualifying

Start time for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix:

10:56 , Kieran Jackson

The race starts at 2pm (BST).

The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix will be broadcast live on Sky Sports in the United Kingdom - and ESPN in the United States. Sky’s coverage of Sunday’s race starts at 12:30pm (BST).

F1 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix!

10:55 , Kieran Jackson

Max Verstappen saw off McLaren’s challenge to match Ayrton Senna’s record of eight consecutive pole positions for Sunday’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

At the Imola venue which claimed Senna’s life 30 years ago, Verstappen’s drew level with the great Brazilian.

Oscar Piastri took second for McLaren – just 0.074 seconds behind Verstappen – with Lando Norris, who broke his duck in Miami a fortnight ago, only 0.091 sec adrift. However, Piastri was dropped three places for Sunday’s grid after blocking Haas’s Kevin Magnussen in Q1.

Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz qualified fourth and fifth respectively for Ferrari, with George Russell sixth – half-a-second behind – and two places ahead of Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton.

Yuki Tsunoda after an impressive P7 in qualifying:

Saturday 18 May 2024 17:44 , Kieran Jackson

F1 qualifying report: Max Verstappen sees off McLaren challenge at Imola to match Ayrton Senna’s pole record

Saturday 18 May 2024 17:18 , Kieran Jackson

Max Verstappen saw off McLaren’s challenge to match Ayrton Senna’s record of eight consecutive pole positions for Sunday’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

At the Imola venue which claimed Senna’s life 30 years ago, Verstappen’s drew level with the great Brazilian.

Oscar Piastri took second for McLaren – just 0.074 seconds behind Verstappen – with Lando Norris, who broke his duck in Miami a fortnight ago, only 0.091 sec adrift.

However, Piastri could face a grid penalty for blocking Haas’s Kevin Magnussen in Q1.

Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz qualified fourth and fifth respectively for Ferrari, with George Russell sixth – half-a-second behind – and two places ahead of Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton.

Verstappen sees off McLaren challenge at Imola to match Senna’s pole record

Max Verstappen’s joyous reaction to pole position:

Saturday 18 May 2024 16:45 , Kieran Jackson

Lando Norris:

Saturday 18 May 2024 16:39 , Kieran Jackson

“P3 is not a bad job at all, within a tenth of P1, tiny margins! We’ve had a very good weekend so far, exciting - we’re close, can’t wait for tomorrow.

“We’re getting closer, to be ahead of Ferrari is a nice result for us. It’s going to be close and a good race tomorrow. It’s tough when the lap times are so tight, it will be a tough race.”

Oscar Piastri:

Saturday 18 May 2024 16:26 , Kieran Jackson

“Scruffy last corner but really happy, I’ve been really comfortable with the car. Very close to the pole but it’s been a little while since I’ve been up there.

“We’ll see what we can do, we’ve been on the pace all weekend. You can’t count out Max and Red Bull as we’ve seen but confidence is high.”

Max Verstappen:

Saturday 18 May 2024 16:18 , Kieran Jackson

“I’m incredibly happy to be on pole, didn’t expect that. We made some changes before qualifying.. I’m still pumping, adrenaline!

“Great start to the year.”

TOP-10 FOR THE EMILIA ROMAGNA GRAND PRIX:

Saturday 18 May 2024 16:11 , Kieran Jackson

1. Max Verstappen

2. Oscar Piastri

3. Lando Norris

4. Charles Leclerc

5. Carlos Sainz

6. George Russell

7. Yuki Tsunoda

8. Lewis Hamilton

9. Daniel Ricciardo

10. Nico Hulkenberg

Max Verstappen on pole position for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix!

Saturday 18 May 2024 16:04 , Kieran Jackson

Verstappen went even quicker - 1:14:746!

“Let’s go! A really good pole position! We’ve turned it around, that’s fantastic - really happy!”

Oscar Piastri is the closest man to him, a tenth behind, with Lando Norris third.

Disappointment for Ferrari, fourth and fifth.

Top-10: Verstappen, Piastri, Norris, Leclerc, Sainz, Russell, Tsunoda, Hamilton, Ricciardo, Hulkenberg

All the cars come out now!

Saturday 18 May 2024 15:57 , Kieran Jackson

Here we go then - they all come out for their second runs, all on new softs!

Can Max be beaten?!

Two minutes to go.

Max Verstappen quickest after first set of runs

Saturday 18 May 2024 15:56 , Kieran Jackson

It’s tight... but it’s still Max!

Verstappen fastest with a 1:14:869, 0.073 secs quicker than Lando Norris in second! Charles Leclerc two-tenths further back in third.

4-10: Piastri, Sainz, Russell, Tsunoda, Hamilton, Hulkenberg, Ricciardo

It’s going to take something special from the frontrunners to beat Max’s time!

Q3 underway!

Saturday 18 May 2024 15:51 , Kieran Jackson

Here we go then - who will take pole position for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix?!

10 drivers involved: Verstappen, Sainz, Leclerc, Norris, Piastri, Hamilton, Russell, Tsunoda, Ricciardo, Hulkenberg

George Russell:

Saturday 18 May 2024 15:46 , Kieran Jackson

“I don’t know why you put us on a used set at the start, piles on the pressure for that last lap.”

Still, he’s though to Q3!

Sergio Perez out in Q2!

Saturday 18 May 2024 15:43 , Kieran Jackson

Wow!

Daniel Ricciardo in 10th and Sergio Perez cannot beat the Aussie’s time!

Bottom-five and out in Q2 (11-15): Perez, Ocon, Stroll, Albon, Gasly

Russell and Hamilton squeeze through in P8 and P9.

“What a mess” Perez says!

TOP-3: Verstappen, Leclerc, Tsunoda

Charles Leclerc goes faster than Verstappen

Saturday 18 May 2024 15:34 , Kieran Jackson

By 0.058 seconds! Not that it matters yet, but it’s useful heading into Q3!

Current bottom-five (11-15): Russell, Gasly, Ocon, Stroll, Albon

Yuki Tsunoda now surges up to P2! Lewis Hamilton down in P10, just above his team-mate.

Both Mercedes cars will put on a new set of soft tyres now though and *should* go quicker....

6:00 to go.

Max Verstappen sets fastest time of weekend

Saturday 18 May 2024 15:32 , Kieran Jackson

Rapid. 1:15:386 puts Verstappen up top with the fastest lap of the weekend so far!

Perez five-tenths back in second, with Hulkenberg impressing again in third - above Hamilton and Russell.

9:00 left - around half the 15 cars yet to set a time out on track...

Q2 underway!

Saturday 18 May 2024 15:27 , Kieran Jackson

15 minutes now where we will again lose the slowest five drivers!

Bit of an update from Q1 - Logan Sargeant’s time was deleted for track limits so he will now start 20th on the grid, with Alonso up to 19th.

Fernando ALonso is out in Q1!

Saturday 18 May 2024 15:20 , Kieran Jackson

Alonso didn’t set a competitive time - he will start P20!

Bottom-five and out in Q1 (16-20): Bottas, Sargeant, Zhou, Magnussen, Alonso

Lewis Hamilton sneaks through in 15th! Close for Mercedes!

And Nico Hulkenberg got himself out of danger by shooting up to P1! Only for Max Verstappen to take P1!

Top-3: Verstappen, Leclerc, Hulkenberg

Alex Albon up to P12

Saturday 18 May 2024 15:17 , Kieran Jackson

Will that be enough? Albon 12th, three-tenths outside the drop-zone, with Hamilton 13th.

Bottom-five (16-20): Magnussen, Alonso, Hulkenberg, Zhou, Sargeant

2:00 to go.

Fernando Alonso off again!

Saturday 18 May 2024 15:14 , Kieran Jackson

On his first flying lap, Alonso goes wide at Tamburello and into the gravel! It’s not been a smooth day for the Spaniard, though this time he’s kept the car going.

Bottom-five (16-20): Alonso, Hulkenberg, Zhou, Albon, Sargeant

Daniel Ricciardo and Lewis Hamilton in a spot of bother, in 14th and 12th respectively.

Top-3: Norris, Piastri, Verstappen

4:00 to go.

Oscar Piastri quickest early on

Saturday 18 May 2024 15:10 , Kieran Jackson

Piastri just under a tenth faster than Verstappen at the top, with Norriis third and Perez fourth.

5-10: Leclerc, Ocon, Hamilton, Alonso, Sainz

Six drivers yet to set a time. 8:00 to go.

George Russell aborts his lap

Saturday 18 May 2024 15:06 , Kieran Jackson

Bit odd.

Russell - the only driver on medium tyres - is on a flying lap but heads into the pit-lane at the end! Not too sure why...

Anyhow, first set of flying laps being set now - though around eight cars still in the pit-lane...

Q1 underway!

Saturday 18 May 2024 15:01 , Kieran Jackson

The drivers have the green light at the end of the pit lane and we are underway with the first session of qualifying!

18 minutes - and we will lose the slowest five drivers!

And Fernando Alonso’s Aston Martin looks like it will be ready!

F1 qualifying at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix!

Saturday 18 May 2024 14:58 , Kieran Jackson

I think this is pretty open this afternoon!

Ferrari and McLaren have showed more pace than Red Bull in the practice sessions so far but, obviously, write off Max Verstappen at your peril!

It’s 24C, baking sunshine at Imola - no excuses for the drivers!

Max Verstappen eyeing a record:

Saturday 18 May 2024 14:55 , Kieran Jackson

Verstappen is looking to level Ayrton Senna’s F1 record of eight consecutive pole positions with top spot today.

Senna, who has been celebrated so vividly this weekend, set the record from 1988-89.

Driver Standings ahead of qualifying this weekend:

Saturday 18 May 2024 14:52 , Kieran Jackson

1. Max Verstappen - 136 points

2. Sergio Perez - 103 points

3. Charles Leclerc - 98 points

4. Lando Norris - 83 points

5. Carlos Sainz - 83 points

6. Oscar Piastri - 41 points

7. George Russell - 37 points

8. Fernando Alonso - 33 points

9. Lewis Hamilton - 27 points

10. Yuki Tsunoda -14 points

11. Lance Stroll - 9 points

12. Oliver Bearman - 6 points

13. Nico Hulkenberg - 6 points

14. Daniel Ricciardo - 5 points

15. Esteban Ocon - 1 point

16. Kevin Magnussen - 1 point

17. Alex Albon - 0 points

18. Zhou Guanyu - 0 points

19. Pierre Gasly - 0 points

20. Valtteri Bottas - 0 points

21. Logan Sargeant - 0 points

Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website