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How the last Emilia-Romagna GP in Imola foreshadowed the next 24 months
Formula 1 returns to Imola for the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix for the first time in two years. Last time, Max Verstappen won the race, but the weekend did not go entirely smoothly for the Dutchman. After a close start between Ferrari and Red Bull, these were the early signs that Leclerc and Ferrari were not ready for a title fight. Read an extensive recap here.
In 2022, Imola was designated for a sprint format. In that season, that meant qualifying first, then a sprint race and the result of the sprint race would form the grid for the Grand Prix. During the sprint race, there were also a few points to be earned for the top eight drivers.
The Imola Grand Prix was the fourth race weekend of 2022 and Ferrari had got off to an excellent start. The Italians seemed to have mastered the new rules quite well. Leclerc finished first twice and second once in the first three weekends. Max Verstappen had won only one Grand Prix at that time and had crashed out at the other two GPs. Ferrari thus went into their home race as favourites.
This is how the 2022 race weekend went in Imola
In qualifying, it was mainly about being on the track at the right time. In Q2 it threatened to rain and the drivers had to set a good lap. The Mercedes drivers failed to do so and were thrown out when Carlos Sainz caused a red flag with a crash. Sainz still made it into Q3, but did not return to action there.
In Q3, the drivers took to the track on intermediates. Verstappen was fastest, in a session constantly interrupted by red flags. First for Kevin Magnussen and then by Lando Norris in the closing stages of the session. Verstappen eventually took pole, ahead of Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris.
In the sprint race a day after, Verstappen quickly lost the lead. Leclerc had a better start and snatched the lead from Verstappen. The Dutchman drove behind Leclerc throughout the race, only to strike in the closing stages. On the penultimate lap, Verstappen passed his rival at the first chicane, with a brilliant outside move. Perez fought his way back to P3 from a beaten position.
That third starting spot came in handy at the Grand Prix on Sunday. The Ferrari's had a poor start on intermediates. Verstappen got away well and trailed teammate Perez. Leclerc even lost P3 to Norris for a moment, only to regain that spot later. For Sainz, the poor start turned out to be completely disastrous. In the first chicane, he collided with Daniel Ricciardo, after which the Spaniard's race ended early.
This is how Leclerc threw away a good result
The main issue in the race was the change from intermediates to slicks. Perez pitted early. As a result, Leclerc passed him in the pit lane, but on cold tyres, the Mexican regained his position.
Leclerc made a mistake in his eagerness to get inside Perez's DRS. He got on the kerb too much at the final chicane and lost his car. Leclerc hit the wall and sustained damage in the process. A pit stop was needed to replace his front wing, after which he was able to continue his way from P9.
Verstappen eventually drove to victory, climbing to second place in the championship. Leclerc threw away precious points with a P6. Perez and Norris joined Verstappen on the podium.