Red Bull's Verstappen Embraces Imola's Technical Challenges

As the F1 circus hits Imola, Verstappen and Pérez brace for a challenging weekend on the technical circuit.

Despite two losses this year in six races, Max Verstappen arrives at Imola as the championship leader and favorite. Importantly, the Red Bull driver can also equal a record if he secures pole position, which would be his seventh consecutive at the start of the season, matching Alain Prost in 1993.

The three-time world champion is in excellent form at Imola, having won the last two editions of the race here. In 2021 and 2022, he led a total of 124 out of 126 laps and also triumphed in the Sprint two years ago.

“Imola is always an iconic circuit and we are excited to return after last year’s cancellation. We have achieved great results here and it is interesting to race on an old circuit like this one, as it is very technical, with complex combinations of turns and braking,” says Verstappen.

“The team in Milton Keynes and on the ground has worked very hard, and I returned to the factory this week to work on the simulator. It’s also nice to resume competition in Europe, so we are looking forward to seeing what the weekend holds.”

Pérez Hopes for Dry Practice Sessions

Sergio Pérez arrives in Emilia-Romagna as one of only two drivers to have finished all his races in the top 5 this year, alongside Charles Leclerc. The Mexican, still seeking his first win of 2024, will also pay tribute to Ayrton Senna, more than 30 years after the Brazilian’s death on the same circuit.

“It’s nice to return to Europe and especially to Imola, after missing this race last season. This venue can present challenging weather conditions, which always makes things tricky,” Pérez stated.

“This can limit our track time during practices and significantly affect qualifying. I hope we will have a dry weekend; the forecast looks promising for Friday and Saturday. Being strong on these days should put us in a good position for Sunday.”

“I was at the factory this week, looking at how we can maximize settings and improve our performance in Miami. It’s about making the right decisions throughout the weekend as a team, and we are working together to get back on the podium in Italy.”

“This weekend, we will pay tribute to Ayrton Senna, and it was important for me to participate by wearing the Forever Senna balaclava in his iconic yellow. He has been an inspiration to all of us in our childhood and the reason why we are here.”