Breaking: 2025 Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix – Starting Grid with Penalties app…read more
Breaking: 2025 Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix – Starting Grid with Penalties app…read more
A dramatic qualifying session at the iconic Imola circuit has set the stage for a thrilling 2025 Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix. Initially, McLaren’s Oscar Piastri lit up the timing sheets by taking provisional pole position, delivering a stunning lap that marked a major statement of intent. However, post-qualifying drama unfolded after Piastri was investigated for impeding Carlos Sainz during Q1. The stewards ultimately handed him a three-place grid penalty, reshuffling the top positions and denying him a maiden pole.
As a result, Piastri’s McLaren teammate, Lando Norris, inherits pole position. This marks back-to-back front-row starts for the Briton following his victory at the Miami Grand Prix, signaling strong momentum for the McLaren squad. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who had qualified third, now moves up to the front row beside Norris, setting up an exciting battle between two in-form drivers.
George Russell will start from third for Mercedes. Although he faced a stewards’ inquiry for allegedly crossing the pit exit line, no penalty was issued, allowing him to maintain his grid position. Oscar Piastri, now demoted to fourth, will still be well-positioned to challenge for a podium. Behind him, Charles Leclerc lines up fifth in his Ferrari, aiming to bring glory to the Tifosi on home soil.
In sixth place is Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli, who continues to impress in his debut season. The young Italian will be making his first Formula 1 start at Imola, adding emotional weight to his performance in front of passionate home fans. His presence in the top six underscores the strength of Mercedes’ young talent development.
Williams enjoyed a standout qualifying session, with Alex Albon securing seventh on the grid. He outqualified teammate Carlos Sainz, who starts eighth. Notably, Sainz was the driver impeded by Piastri in Q1, but did not receive any grid penalty himself and remains in a solid position to score points.
Yuki Tsunoda starts ninth for Red Bull’s second entry, continuing his consistent form this season. Rounding out the top ten is seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, now driving for Ferrari. Hamilton had a lap time deleted due to a track limits infringement, which cost him a few positions, but he remains within striking distance of the leaders.
The final starting grid reflects both the intense competitiveness of the 2025 season and the stewards’ firm stance on rule enforcement. With Norris on pole and Verstappen alongside him, fans can expect fireworks from the very first corner. Both drivers have shown exceptional pace recently, and the Imola circuit’s unforgiving layout promises high-stakes action.
Meanwhile, Piastri and Leclerc will be eager to recover positions quickly, while local hero Antonelli will look to capitalize on his best grid position yet. The Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix kicks off at 15:00 local time on Sunday, and all signs point to a classic race in the making at one of Formula 1’s most historic venues.
