As we look at the starting grid for the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, we can anticipate an exciting race. Once again, Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen are lined up side by side on the first row. Will this ignite fireworks at the start? And what can Ferrari achieve in their home race after a disappointing qualification?
Put Piastri and Verstappen on the first row, and you’re guaranteed action at the start of the race. You can bet that the reigning world champion will make himself as wide as possible as the field dives into the first corner. This is the only way he can try to pull the race towards him on the narrow asphalt ribbon in Italy. Because if the McLaren with starting number 81 gets in front of him, it will most likely disappear on the horizon.
On the second row, we find George Russell and Lando Norris. They hope that the two combatants in front of them will become so embroiled in a fight that the old proverb about two dogs fighting over a bone comes true. Norris, in particular, wants to quickly wash away the taste of his disappointing qualification and take on his teammate. Falling further behind in the championship would be disastrous for the Brit.
Behind the leaders, a pleasant surprise awaits on the grid: Fernando Alonso! The Spaniard finally brought smiles back to Aston Martin during the qualifying session. His teammate Lance Stroll also performed well, starting from P8. Is the sun finally shining again for the green brigade? Sandwiched between them are the two impressive Williams cars. Scoring points is vital for this quartet, so they must give each other some space at the start.
Blushing in Embarrassment
Then there are a few disappointments on the grid, starting with Ferrari. The team was left blushing in embarrassment after both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton were eliminated in Q2, a sight that matched the tifosi in Imola. It’s painful, there’s no other way to describe it for the scuderia in their own backyard. More than a handful of points is unlikely today.
Kimi Antonelli is also scratching his head. After an increasingly better qualifying streak this season, the young Italian is starting from the thirteenth spot in his home race. This is while his teammate starts from the second row. The speed is definitely there for Mercedes, so he should be able to make his way forward in the race.
And then there’s Franco Colapinto (P15) and Yuki Tsunoda (P20). Both completely wrecked their cars during qualifying, causing major headaches for the mechanics. The least they can do in return today is to cross the finish line in one piece.
The race starts this afternoon at 13:00 UTC.
