F1 Imola GP 2024 LIVE: Race results, standings and updates as Max Verstappen holds off Lando Norris
Verstappen wins from pole at the Emilia Romagna GP despite Norris’ late surge for the win
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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
Aston Martin update on Alonso’s car
This from an Aston representative: “The team is still working flat out to get Fernando’s AMR24 ready for the start of Qualifying following his crash in FP3.”
Will the Spaniard be able to compete?
Lewis Hamilton would like to see teenager Kimi Antonelli replace him at Mercedes
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
Antonelli, who turns 18 in August, has recently tested Mercedes machinery in Austria and Imola.
Ollie Bearman crashes in heavy shunt in F2 practice at Imola
Ollie Bearman has been involved in a heavy crash in Formula 2 practice at Imola on Friday.
The British 18-year-old, who made his F1 debut so impressively for Ferrari in Saudi Arabia in March, lost control of his Prema car at Tamburello corner.
The nose of his Prema car connected heavily with the crash barrier but he emerged from the cockpit unscathed.
The incident resulted in a red flag, stopping the session.
The crash occurred a matter of hours before Bearman takes to the track in F1 practice for Haas.
Ollie Bearman crashes in heavy shunt in F2 practice at Imola
The British 18-year-old lost control of his Prema car a matter of hours before he takes to the track in F1 practice
Adrian Newey drops major hint over next move after Red Bull exit
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
Newey has been linked with Ferrari after announcing his departure from Red Bull at the start of 2025
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, speaking to Sky Sports:
“We are fourth but maybe a bit closer to some of the teams. Our development direction is clear now and that’s encouraging. McLaren on a single lap and long run are a good chunk fastest.
“We have to add downforce and performance on the car. I’d rather the drivers saying the car was good and a couple of tenths down. But F1 is just so competitive, 10 good teams. Three-tenths off can be seventh or eighth. You can look poor!”
On team principal meeting: “It was surprisingly fun. We were talking to each other and knives put back in the pocket.”
On outgoings and incomings: “We are in a good spot. Some wanted to go, some had to go. At the same time we’re adding fresh joyness. We’re in an upward trajectory with the motivation and confidence.”
Sergio Perez crashes!
Another crash - Perez in the wall at Variante Alta!
RED FLAG - and that’ll likely be it for third practice at Imola!
Final flying laps coming up!
Much like the end of qualifying, most of the pack now leaving the garage and queuing up at the end of the pit-lane ahead of these qualifying simulation laps!
Will we have any alteration to the top-10 in the closing stages?
Oscar Piastri up to P3:
The McLaren went slightly onto the gravel at the penultimate corner - but has gone P3 behind the Ferraris!
A lot of cars now back in the garage ahead of the closing stages.
Top-10: Sainz, Leclerc, Piastri, Verstappen, Norris, Albon, Perez, Tsunoda, Russell, Hamilton
Fernando Alonso with a big crash!
Wow, did not expect that!
Alonso’s Aston Martin has smashed into the wall! He’s out the car and is all OK, but it looks a heavy impact!
RED FLAG!
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