Imola GP Qualfying: Max Verstappen Equals Ayrton Senna; Clinches Record 8th Straight Pole - In Pics

Red Bull Racing's Max Verstappen once again showed his class clinching the pole position for Sunday's Imola Grand Prix. After a slow start, Verstappen eventually stormed past McLaren pair of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, who came second and third, to take the pole. By this pole, Verstappen equalled Ayrton Senna’s tally of eight consecutive poles set across the 1988 and 1989 campaigns. Incidentally, he achieved this feat on the 30th anniversary weekend of the Brazilian’s passing in an accident at Imola.

Photo Webdesk

Updated on: 19 May 2024 5:55 pm

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Red Bull driver Max Verstappen Photo: AP/Luca Bruno

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands celebrates his pole position after qualifying session for the Italy's Emilia Romagna Formula One Grand Prix at the Dino and Enzo Ferrari racetrack in Imola, Italy.

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Emilia Romagna Formula One Grand Prix Photo: AP/Luca Bruno

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands poses with the pole position award after qualifying session for the Italy's Emilia Romagna Formula One Grand Prix at the Dino and Enzo Ferrari racetrack in Imola, Italy.

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McLaren driver Oscar Piastri Photo: AP/Luca Bruno

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands, center, poses with McLaren driver Oscar Piastri of Australia, left, and McLaren driver Lando Norris of Britain after the qualifying session for the Italy's Emilia Romagna Formula One Grand Prix at the Dino and Enzo Ferrari racetrack in Imola, Italy.

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Max Verstappen Photo: AP/Luca Bruno

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands celebrates after winning the pole position after qualifying session for the Italy's Emilia Romagna Formula One Grand Prix at the Dino and Enzo Ferrari racetrack in Imola, Italy.

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Italy's Emilia Romagna Formula One Grand Prix Photo: AP/Antonio Calanni

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands steers his car during qualifying session for the Italy's Emilia Romagna Formula One Grand Prix at the Dino and Enzo Ferrari racetrack in Imola, Italy

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McLaren driver Lando Norris Photo: AP/Antonio Calanni

McLaren driver Lando Norris of Britain steers his car during qualifying session for the Italy's Emilia Romagna Formula One Grand Prix at the Dino and Enzo Ferrari racetrack in Imola, Italy.

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McLaren driver Oscar Piastri Photo: AP/Antonio Calanni

McLaren driver Oscar Piastri of Australia of the Netherlands steers his car during qualifying session for the Italy's Emilia Romagna Formula One Grand Prix at the Dino and Enzo Ferrari racetrack in Imola, Italy.

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Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands Photo: AP/Luca Bruno

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands steers his car during the third practice at the Dino and Enzo Ferrari racetrack in Imola, Italy, Imola, Saturday, May 18, 2024. The Italy's Emilia Romagna Formula One Grand Prix will be held on Sunday. ()