When Imola Delivers, It Really Delivers
There’s something magical—and slightly menacing—about qualifying at Imola. With its tight corners, unforgiving curbs, and legendary legacy, the track doesn’t just test drivers; it exposes them. And the 2025 Emilia Romagna F1 qualifying did just that, in dramatic fashion. From Oscar Piastri’s stunning pole position to Yuki Tsunoda’s terrifying barrel roll, this session was as unpredictable as it was unforgettable.
Let’s dive into who thrived and who barely survived the chaos at Imola.
Winners of the 2025 Emilia Romagna F1 Qualifying
Oscar Piastri – The Pole Star of Imola
There’s no denying that Oscar Piastri is having a breakout season. His performance in qualifying was cool, calculated, and just plain quick. Pipping Max Verstappen by 0.034 seconds, Piastri secured his third career pole—and his very first in Europe.
“I knew this lap had to be near-perfect. The team gave me a great car, and we got it done,” Piastri said post-session.
With three wins already under his belt and another front-row start, the Aussie is a hot favorite to make it four. And on a circuit where overtaking is notoriously tricky, Sunday might just be another McLaren masterclass.
Aston Martin – A Surprise Surge
Aston Martin may have flown under the radar this season, but they delivered when it mattered. Both Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso scraped through to Q3, with Alonso pulling out a gritty lap to beat Carlos Sainz by just 0.001 seconds.
Alonso, who has yet to score a point this season, now finds himself in an excellent position to change that narrative.
“We needed this. We’ve been working tirelessly and finally have something to show for it,” Alonso told Sky F1.
George Russell – Mr. Consistency Strikes Again
While all eyes were on Norris, Piastri, and Verstappen, George Russell pulled a tactical rabbit out of his helmet with a medium-tyre flyer that landed him in P3.
Russell hasn’t qualified below P5 all season, and his latest performance proves why Mercedes still believes he’s their future.
Russell: “We knew clean air would be key. That lap on the mediums? Risky, but it worked.”
| Driver | Quali Position | Tyre Used |
|---|---|---|
| Oscar Piastri | 1st | Soft |
| Max Verstappen | 2nd | Soft |
| George Russell | 3rd | Medium |
Carlos Sainz – Back on the Charge
Quietly but surely, Carlos Sainz is clawing his way back into form. A blistering Q2 lap of 1:15.198 was a highlight, even if he finished P6 after Q3.
That’s now three consecutive sixth-place qualifying results for the Spaniard, suggesting he’s finding stability amid Ferrari’s chaos.
Losers from the 2025 Emilia Romagna F1 Qualifying
Franco Colapinto – A Nightmare Debut
Imagine waiting your whole life for an F1 seat—and then binning it in Q1.
That was the brutal reality for Franco Colapinto. The young Argentine’s car ended up in the gravel at Tamburello after clipping the grass. To add insult to injury, he received a grid penalty for an unsafe release.
“It’s not the comeback I wanted. I’ll own it and bounce back,” said a visibly disappointed Colapinto.
Yuki Tsunoda – A Barrel Roll at Turn 6
Tsunoda’s crash was the most frightening of the day. Approaching Turn 6, his car bottomed out, skipped over the kerb, and barrel-rolled into the barriers.
A red flag followed, but thankfully, Tsunoda walked away unharmed—another testament to F1’s incredible safety standards.
“I’ve never experienced anything like that. Just glad I’m okay,” Tsunoda said.
Ferrari – A Home Horror Show
If there’s one group that had more pain than Tsunoda, it was the Tifosi. First, young gun Kimi Antonelli got dumped in Q2. Then Charles Leclerc failed to make Q3, and even Lewis Hamilton couldn’t save face for the prancing horse.
One fan summed it up on X: “The only thing Ferrari qualified for today was heartbreak.”
Summary of Notable Qualifying Incidents
| Incident | Driver | Session | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crash at Tamburello | Franco Colapinto | Q1 | DNF + Grid Penalty |
| Barrel Roll | Yuki Tsunoda | Q1 | Walked away, P20 start |
| Double Red Flags | Multiple Drivers | Q1–Q2 | Session Delays |
| Leclerc Q2 Exit | Charles Leclerc | Q2 | Failed to reach Q3 |
Final Qualifying Standings – Top 10
| Position | Driver | Team | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oscar Piastri | McLaren | 1:14.932 |
| 2 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull | 1:14.966 |
| 3 | George Russell | Mercedes | 1:15.082 |
| 4 | Lando Norris | McLaren | 1:15.121 |
| 5 | Fernando Alonso | Aston Martin | 1:15.201 |
| 6 | Carlos Sainz | Ferrari | 1:15.202 |
| 7 | Sergio Pérez | Red Bull | 1:15.345 |
| 8 | Lewis Hamilton | Ferrari | 1:15.366 |
| 9 | Lance Stroll | Aston Martin | 1:15.391 |
| 10 | Pierre Gasly | Alpine | 1:15.488 |
What’s Next for the 2025 Emilia Romagna GP?
The grid is set, the drama is brewing, and the lights are ready to go out. Piastri starts from pole, Verstappen lurks dangerously in P2, and Russell is poised to disrupt.
Ferrari will be desperate for redemption, while Tsunoda and Colapinto will just be hoping for clean laps.
Who Will Rise on Race Day?
The qualifying session for the 2025 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix had it all—speed, spills, heartbreak, and heroics. Oscar Piastri might have stolen the show on Saturday, but Sunday is another game entirely.
With Verstappen breathing down his neck and Russell in prime position, the race could swing in any direction. Buckle up, F1 fans—this one’s going to be wild.
Enjoyed the drama? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let us know your pick for the win
