The Imola GP is over, with Max Verstappen securing the fifth silverware of the season. However, the competition was fierce, with almost all the top teams bringing upgrade packages. It was indeed the most intense race of the season, as three different teams bagged the top spots. Despite tough competition from McLaren, Red Bull finished first, while McLaren and Ferrari drivers got second and third place.
The Italian outfit was confident with their upgrades ahead of the home race. The Ferrari team boss, Fred Vasseur, was optimistic as the team aimed for the second Grand Prix of the season. However, they were able to finish at the podium due to a challenge posed by Mercedes drivers. Fred explained the entire scenario during a media interaction after the race.
Ferrari Got Podium Despite ‘Tire Struggle’
Amid the car development war, Ferrari tried its best to introduce innovative upgrades. Although Charles Leclerc was able to put pressure on Lando Norris, Norris powered through the circuit, clinching the second spot. Thus, the reason for the insufficient of the upgrade was that it was slightly oversold. While Italian media claimed the developments would help the SF24 gain a seventh or tenth of a second, Vasseur was sure it wouldn’t be a ‘game-changer.’ Moreover, with the minor changes to the front and rear wings with a significant reshape, the SF24 project was expected to get faster. Although the upgrade was extensive, it wasn’t enough to beat McLaren and Red Bull. However, Vasseur feels the team performed well on Sunday while missing out on Saturday qualification. Charles Leclerc was seven seconds behind Max Verstappen and Lando Norris as he crossed the finish line. Further, due to difficult curb riding, the Imola track makes judging the car’s performance challenging.
On the other hand, Mercedes drivers helped McLaren’s Oscar Piastri to snatch the fourth position from Carlos Sainz. The Ferrari driver started at fourth and could hold Piastri’s pressure throughout the race. However, when Piastri used a fresh pair of tires, he quickly accelerated past Sainz. Later, Fred Vasseur explained that Sainz would get a longer run during his first stint. However, the Mercedes drivers forced them to change the plan. The overtaking at Imola is relatively tricky. Thus, the team decided to pit Sainz, sacrificing the tire advantage. Vasseur acknowledged that overtaking Lewis Hamilton and George Russell would have been tough compared to Aston Martin drivers. Meanwhile, Charles Leclerc had a chance to finish second, but a moment at Variante Alta ended his stint. Consequently, Ferrari looks promising despite a few missouts, adding more spice to the rivalry.
Max Verstappen’ Almost Ended Up In Grandstand’ Due To Hard Tires
The Imola track was front-limited, making Red Bull vulnerable. However, Max Verstappen showcased his class to beat Lando Norris. During the first stint with medium tires, Verstappen led by a fair margin. However, with hard tires for the second and final stint, Verstappen almost lost control.
Consequently, Norris remained close behind Verstappen’s rear wing during the final few laps. But the champion racer held on to clinch his fifth triumph. However, after the race, he explained that the hard tires nearly caused him to lose control and veer towards the grandstand, making it difficult to maintain grip.