F1 Qualifying Shock at Imola: Ferrari Stumble as Piastri Grabs Pole for Emilia Romagna GP

Qualifying for the 2025 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix delivered major surprises at Imola, as Oscar Piastri claimed a stunning pole position, narrowly edging out Max Verstappen. But it was heartbreak for Ferrari fans at their home race, as both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc failed to advance past Q2, compounding pressure on the Scuderia in front of their passionate Tifosi.

🏁 Pole for Piastri: A Statement Lap

McLaren’s Oscar Piastri continued his breakout season with a flawless qualifying performance, setting the fastest lap in Q3 with a time that edged Verstappen by just 0.081 seconds. The Australian showed supreme confidence through the technical middle sector, placing himself firmly in contention for his first career F1 win.

• Pole time: 1:14.997
• Front row: Piastri (McLaren), Verstappen (Red Bull)
• Second row: Norris (McLaren), Sainz (Ferrari)

“That lap was on the edge and it had to be,” said Piastri. “Imola demands perfection.”

🟥 Ferrari Falter on Home Soil

In a gut wrenching twist for the home crowd, both Ferrari drivers were eliminated in Q2, with Hamilton qualifying 12th and Leclerc 14th. The result marks a major setback for the team, who were aiming to deliver a statement weekend in front of their home fans at the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari.

• Hamilton: Complained of rear grip issues and balance
• Leclerc: Caught out by traffic and a mistimed flying lap
• Ferrari’s last pole at Imola: 2022 (Leclerc)

The crowd at Imola was visibly deflated, as the Scuderia’s best chance of a strong race now hinges on recovery strategy and potential weather chaos on Sunday.

🔍 Midfield Shake Up and Race Day Implications

With Piastri leading, McLaren now looks like the team to beat at a circuit traditionally dominated by Red Bull and Ferrari. Meanwhile, Carlos Sainz salvaged pride for the Prancing Horse with P4, while Mercedes drivers Russell and Antonelli start from the third row.

• Top 10: Piastri, Verstappen, Norris, Sainz, Russell, Antonelli, Alonso, Pérez, Hulkenberg, Ocon
• Strategy twist: Cooler temperatures could lead to unexpected tire degradation
• Eyes on: Verstappen’s launch, Piastri’s composure, Ferrari’s recovery plan

📰 Final Thoughts

The Emilia Romagna GP qualifying session threw the script out the window. With McLaren leading the grid and Ferrari on the back foot at home, Sunday’s race promises emotion, redemption, and no shortage of drama under the Imola sun.