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    Verstappen storms to Emilia Romagna GP win while Hamilton bounces back from spinning off to finish second at Imola

    MAX VERSTAPPEN overtook Lewis Hamilton at the first turn of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix and never looked back to win at Imola.The Brit had taken something of a surprise pole on Saturday but was unable to match his title rival in the race.
    Max Verstappen beat Lewis Hamilton in the second race of the 2021 F1 seasonCredit: Reuters
    An unexpected period of pre-race drizzle led to an plenty of wobbles and an early safety car due to Nicholas Latifi’s shunt.
    Hamilton was struggling to get into gear and put his car in the barrier midway through the race.
    As he crawled back to the pits, team-mate Valtteri Bottas and George Russell came together for a huge high-speed crash.
    The rivals were furious with each other as they walked away from the incident, which brought about a red flag.
    At the restart, Verstappen pulled away from Lando Norris and the trailing Ferraris.
    Hamilton was able to push through from ninth to claim second-place with young McLaren star Norris third.
    And a fastest lap point keeps the Brit top of the championship after two rounds.
    Full report to follow… More

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    F1 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix LIVE: Hamilton with surge to second but can’t catch victorious Verstappen as Norris third

    LEWIS HAMILTON put down an incredible surge up the field after an early mistake and finished second behind dominant Max Verstappen in Imola.Hamilton overtook Lando Norris two laps from the end, as the fellow Brit finished third, but he couldn’t catch Dutchman Verstappen.
    Follow ALL the action from Italy with our live blog below…
    MAX VERSTAPPEN WINS IN IMOLA
    He wins in Italy for the first time and crossed the line 22 seconds ahead of Hamilton, who was ninth at one point. Hamilton is second. Norris in third.
    Leclerc is fourth and Sainz fifth. Ricciardo in sixth. Stroll seventh. Gasly eighth.
    LAP 63
    Verstappen is on his way to victory here, but Hamilton has the point for the fastest lap.
    LAP 60
    Hamilton gets in to second place. He gets past Norris
    FIVE LAPS TO GO
    Verstappen still out in front. He is untroubled.
    NORRIS VERSES HAMILTON
    The McLaren man is struggling with his tyres and Hamilton is about to take full advantage.
    LAP 55
    Hamilton gets into third place. He was a lap down and in ninth place when the race was suspended.
    He is now up in to the podium places.
    EVENTFUL RACE FOR HAMILTON

    LAP 49
    Verstappen has opened up a big gap at the front. 12.3 seconds over Norris. Leclerc still close.
    Hamilton has now passed Sainz and is in fourth place. He is really going for it.
    LAP 42
    Hamilton now up to 5th. He benefited from the Red Flag and the Safety Car period as his car is now patched up following Lap 1 damage.
    LAP 39
    Hamilton gets past Stroll an in to 6th. He is on the charge.
    PEREZ SPINS
    He carelessly spins off and is down to 14th. That is a poor mistake from the Mexican.
    WORDS FROM RUSSELL
    Thanks for all the messages. I’m fine, just disappointed. At the end of the day, it’s an unfortunate incident. You’re entitled to defend your position. But at 330kph, you have to respect the speed and the conditions when doing so. Gutted for the team. They deserved more today.— George Russell (@GeorgeRussell63) April 18, 2021

    LAP 36
    Hamilton now up to 8th behind Stroll.
    RACE RESUMES
    And Norris gets past Leclerc and in to second place. That is brilliant from Norris.
    VERSTAPPEN SPINS
    He almost lost position then behind the Safety Car.
    RACE WILL RESUME WITH A ROLLING START
    Bit of a shame, but smacks of a safety concern from the Race Director.
    NINE MINUTES UNTIL THE RESTART
    The drivers will now prepare for the restart as the session resumes.
    BOTTAS VERSUS RUSSELL
    TV replays show Bottas moves to the right and that spooked Russell, who was on the outside and on to the grass.
    The lost control and slid into the Mercedes man. The two are furious with each other.
    IT WAS A RARE MISTAKE FROM THE WORLD CHAMPION
    He was out of position having lapped Russell and he was on the slippery part of the track and slid into the barriers.
    HAMILTON UPSET WITH HIMSELF

    RED FLAG – RACE STOPPED
    Too much debris on track.
    RUSSELL BLAMES BOTTAS
    The Brit moves on to the grass to overtake Bottas and he hits the Finn, sending him into the barriers.
    Both drivers are furious with each other.
    BIG CRASH BETWEEN BOTTAS AND RUSSELL
    That’s a huge one. Both drivers are ok, but that is a big, big smash
    HAMILTON CRASHES
    Drama as Lewis Hamilton spins and is in the gravel. He has hit the barrier. He has broken off his front wing
    LAP 30
    Verstappen Hamilton Leclerc Norris Perez Sainz Ricciardo StrollBottas Russell Raikkonen Tsunoda Giovinazzi Ocon Alonso Gasly Vettel Schumacher Mazepin
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    Bottas gives Russell middle finger after huge crash at F1 Emilia Romagna GP as Brit slaps him on helmet

    GEORGE RUSSELL and Valtteri Bottas were left fuming after a huge crash during Sunday’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.An enthralling Formula One race at Imola was halted on Lap 33 after stewards were forced to show the red flag.
    Valtteri Bottas flicked a middle finger at George Russell after their crash
    Williams driver Russell was fuming at a huge smash on Sunday
    Bottas’ Mercedes and Russell’s Williams (behind) showed the force of the hitCredit: Splash
    Fighting at the back of the points places, Williams ace Russell attempted to overtake Bottas’ Mercedes as they raced into Tamburello.
    Earlier rain meant certain parts of the tack were damp and the Finn moved slightly to the right as his rival came up alongside him, who then jolted onto the grass and spun out.
    Russell’s car collected Bottas at high speed, sending them into the left-hand barrier and bouncing back across the track to hit the other Armco.
    Fortunately, both men were able to walk away from the incident although the Mercedes star, 31, appeared to have been winded and was later given the all-clear from the medical centre.
    Russell, 23, fumed over the radio that Bottas had caused the crash as fans and pundits pored over the footage for fault.
    Many felt neither driver was solely to blame for the crash.

    As the Brit exited the track, he walked past Bottas’ vehicle and slapped him on the helmet while earning a middle-finger riposte with both drivers evidently unhappy with the other one.
    The pair are both signed to Mercedes with Russell earning experience at Williams.
    In was a very difficult afternoon for the Oxford team after team-mate Nicholas Latifi put it in the wall early on.
    When called up to replace Lewis Hamilton for last year’s Sakhir GP, he pushed Bottas hard and appeared set for a maiden F1 win until a number of unfortunate issues ended his hopes.
    Russell saw a gap and clipped the grass after Bottas moved over slightly
    Both cars smashed into the barriers in the high-speed crashCredit: Twitter @SkySportsF1

    Hamilton started Sunday’s race on pole but lost his position to Max Verstappen at Turn 1 in the drizzle.
    In a tough first half to the Grand Prix, the world champion lost control of his car moments before the crash and broke his front wing in the barrier.
    He was able to escape back to the pits and restarted the race after the red flag period in ninth place.
    And Hamilton launched through the pack to claim second and finish behind Verstappen.
    Sports pundits reflect on Lewis Hamilton’s career as he prepares to start a potentially historic F1 season More

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    F1 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix: Live stream, start time UK, TV channel and full race schedule for Imola TODAY

    LEWIS HAMILTON put down an incredible surge up the field after an early mistake and finished second behind dominant Max Verstappen in Imola.Hamilton overtook Lando Norris two laps from the end, as the fellow Brit finished third, but he couldn’t catch Dutchman Verstappen.
    Follow ALL the action from Italy with our live blog below…
    MAX VERSTAPPEN WINS IN IMOLA
    He wins in Italy for the first time and crossed the line 22 seconds ahead of Hamilton, who was ninth at one point. Hamilton is second. Norris in third.
    Leclerc is fourth and Sainz fifth. Ricciardo in sixth. Stroll seventh. Gasly eighth.
    LAP 63
    Verstappen is on his way to victory here, but Hamilton has the point for the fastest lap.
    LAP 60
    Hamilton gets in to second place. He gets past Norris
    FIVE LAPS TO GO
    Verstappen still out in front. He is untroubled.
    NORRIS VERSES HAMILTON
    The McLaren man is struggling with his tyres and Hamilton is about to take full advantage.
    LAP 55
    Hamilton gets into third place. He was a lap down and in ninth place when the race was suspended.
    He is now up in to the podium places.
    EVENTFUL RACE FOR HAMILTON

    LAP 49
    Verstappen has opened up a big gap at the front. 12.3 seconds over Norris. Leclerc still close.
    Hamilton has now passed Sainz and is in fourth place. He is really going for it.
    LAP 42
    Hamilton now up to 5th. He benefited from the Red Flag and the Safety Car period as his car is now patched up following Lap 1 damage.
    LAP 39
    Hamilton gets past Stroll an in to 6th. He is on the charge.
    PEREZ SPINS
    He carelessly spins off and is down to 14th. That is a poor mistake from the Mexican.
    WORDS FROM RUSSELL
    Thanks for all the messages. I’m fine, just disappointed. At the end of the day, it’s an unfortunate incident. You’re entitled to defend your position. But at 330kph, you have to respect the speed and the conditions when doing so. Gutted for the team. They deserved more today.— George Russell (@GeorgeRussell63) April 18, 2021

    LAP 36
    Hamilton now up to 8th behind Stroll.
    RACE RESUMES
    And Norris gets past Leclerc and in to second place. That is brilliant from Norris.
    VERSTAPPEN SPINS
    He almost lost position then behind the Safety Car.
    RACE WILL RESUME WITH A ROLLING START
    Bit of a shame, but smacks of a safety concern from the Race Director.
    NINE MINUTES UNTIL THE RESTART
    The drivers will now prepare for the restart as the session resumes.
    BOTTAS VERSUS RUSSELL
    TV replays show Bottas moves to the right and that spooked Russell, who was on the outside and on to the grass.
    The lost control and slid into the Mercedes man. The two are furious with each other.
    IT WAS A RARE MISTAKE FROM THE WORLD CHAMPION
    He was out of position having lapped Russell and he was on the slippery part of the track and slid into the barriers.
    HAMILTON UPSET WITH HIMSELF

    RED FLAG – RACE STOPPED
    Too much debris on track.
    RUSSELL BLAMES BOTTAS
    The Brit moves on to the grass to overtake Bottas and he hits the Finn, sending him into the barriers.
    Both drivers are furious with each other.
    BIG CRASH BETWEEN BOTTAS AND RUSSELL
    That’s a huge one. Both drivers are ok, but that is a big, big smash
    HAMILTON CRASHES
    Drama as Lewis Hamilton spins and is in the gravel. He has hit the barrier. He has broken off his front wing
    LAP 30
    Verstappen Hamilton Leclerc Norris Perez Sainz Ricciardo StrollBottas Russell Raikkonen Tsunoda Giovinazzi Ocon Alonso Gasly Vettel Schumacher Mazepin
    Load more entries… More

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    F1 calendar 2021: Grand Prix times, schedules and tracks ahead of Emilia Romagna Grand Prix

    THE 2021 Formula 1 season is UNDERWAY and Lewis Hamilton has dealt the first blow with victory at the Bahrain Grand Prix. The Brit, 36, moved level with Michael Schumacher on seven world titles last year and will become the outright top dog if he collects the most points across this season’s races.

    🏁 F1 2021 calendar: practice times, dates and racetrack info
    Lewis Hamilton is aiming to become the outright most successful driver of all timeCredit: Getty
    The Australian Grand Prix was due to take place on the weekend of March 21, but was put back to November 21 because of coronavirus restrictions Down Under.
    Turkey and China are still hoping to host races in 2021, meaning the calendar could be expanded and Saudi Arabia is awaiting official approval of its circuit as the season gets under way.
    Here is how the F1 calendar unfolds in 2021 with our race by race schedule.
    F1 calendar 2021
    All timings below are UK time.
    🇧🇭 Bahrain Grand Prix
    🏆 Grand Prix Result: 1. Lewis Hamilton 2. Max Verstappen 3. Valtteri Bottas

    Venue: Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir
    Friday, March 26: Practice 1 (11.30am), Practice 2 (3pm)
    Saturday, March 27: Practice 3 (12pm), Qualifying (3pm)
    Sunday, March 28: Race (4pm)

    🇮🇹 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix

    Venue: Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, Imola
    Friday, April 16: Practice 1 (10.30am), Practice 2 (2pm)
    Saturday, April 17: Practice 3 (11am), Qualifying (2pm)
    Sunday, April 18: Race (2pm)

    🇵🇹 Portuguese Grand Prix

    Venue: Autodromo Internacional do Algarve
    Friday, April 30: Practice 1 (11.30am), Practice 2 (3pm)
    Saturday, May 1: Practice 3 (12pm), Qualifying (3pm)
    Sunday, May 2: Race (3pm)

    🇪🇸 Spanish Grand Prix

    Venue: Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya
    Friday, May 7: Practice 1 (10.30am), Practice 2 (2pm)
    Saturday, May 8: Practice 3 (11am), Qualifying (2pm)
    Sunday, May 9: Race (2pm)

    🇲🇨 Monaco Grand Prix

    Venue: Circuit de Monaco in Monte Carlo
    Thursday, May 20: Practice 1 (10.30am), Practice 2 (2pm)
    Saturday, May 22: Practice 3 (11am), Qualifying (2pm)
    Sunday, May 23: Race (2pm)

    🇦🇿 Azerbaijan Grand Prix

    Venue: Baku City Circuit
    Friday, June 4: Practice 1 (10.30am), Practice 2 (2pm)
    Saturday, June 5: Practice 3 (11am), Qualifying (2pm)
    Sunday, June 6: Race (1pm)

    🇨🇦 Canadian Grand Prix

    Venue: Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, Montreal
    Friday, June 11: Practice 1 (4.30pm), Practice 2 (8pm)
    Saturday, June 12: Practice 3 (4pm), Qualifying (7pm)
    Sunday, June 13: Race (7pm)

    🇫🇷 French Grand Prix

    Venue: Circuit Paul Ricard, Le Castellet
    Friday, June 25: Practice 1 (10.30am), Practice 2 (2pm)
    Saturday, June 26: Practice 3 (11am), Qualifying (2pm)
    Sunday, June 27: Race (2pm)

    🇦🇹 Austrian Grand Prix

    Venue: Red Bull Ring, Spielberg
    Friday, July 2: Practice 1 (10.30am), Practice 2 (2pm)
    Saturday, July 3: Practice 3 (11am), Qualifying (2pm)
    Sunday, July 4: Race (2pm)

    🇬🇧 British Grand Prix

    Venue: Silverstone Circuit, Northamptonshire
    Friday, July 16: Practice 1 (11.30am), Practice 2 (3pm)
    Saturday, July 17: Practice 3 (12pm), Qualifying (3pm)
    Sunday, July 18: Race (3pm)

    🇭🇺 Hungarian Grand Prix

    Venue: Hungaroring, Budapest
    Friday, July 30: Practice 1 (10.30am), Practice 2 (2pm)
    Saturday, July 31: Practice 3 (11am), Qualifying (2pm)
    Sunday, August 1: Race (2pm)

    🇧🇪 Belgian Grand Prix

    Venue: Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps
    Friday, August 27: Practice 1 (10.30am), Practice 2 (2pm)
    Saturday, August 28: Practice 3 (11am), Qualifying (2pm)
    Sunday, August 29: Race (2pm)

    🇳🇱 Dutch Grand Prix

    Venue: Zandvoort
    Friday, September 3: Practice 1 (10.30am), Practice 2 (2pm)
    Saturday, September 4: Practice 3 (11am), Qualifying (2pm)
    Sunday, September 5: Race (2pm)

    🇮🇹 Italian Grand Prix 2

    Venue: Autodromo Nazionale Monza
    Friday, September 10: Practice 1 (10.30am), Practice 2 (2pm)
    Saturday, September 11: Practice 3 (11am), Qualifying (2pm)
    Sunday, September 12: Race (2pm)

    🇷🇺 Russian Grand Prix

    Venue: Sochi Autodrom
    Friday, September 24: Practice 1 (9.30am), Practice 2 (1pm)
    Saturday, September 25: Practice 3 (10am), Qualifying (1pm)
    Sunday, September 26: Race (1pm)

    🇸🇬 Singapore Grand Prix

    Venue: Marina Bay Street Circuit
    Friday, October 1: Practice 1 (10am), Practice 2 (1.30pm)
    Saturday, October 2: Practice 3 (11am), Qualifying (2pm)
    Sunday, October 3: Race (1pm)

    🇯🇵 Japanese Grand Prix

    Venue: Suzuka International Racing Course, Ino, Sazuka City
    Friday, October 8: Practice 1 (3.30am), Practice 2 (7am)
    Saturday, October 9: Practice 3 (4am), Qualifying (7am)
    Sunday, October 10: Race (6am)

    🇺🇸 United States Grand Prix

    Venue: Circuit of The Americas, Austin, Texas
    Friday, October 22: Practice 1 (5.30pm), Practice 2 (9pm)
    Saturday, October 23: Practice 3 (7pm), Qualifying (10pm)
    Sunday, October 24: Race (8pm)

    🇲🇽 Mexico City Grand Prix

    Venue: Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, Mexico City
    Friday, October 29: Practice 1 (5.30pm), Practice 2 (9pm)
    Saturday, October 30: Practice 3 (5pm), Qualifying (8pm)
    Sunday, October 31: Race (7pm)

    🇧🇷 Brazil Grand Prix

    Venue: Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace, Interlagos
    Friday, November 5: Practice 1 (2.30pm), Practice 2 (6pm)
    Saturday, November 6: Practice 3 (3pm), Qualifying (6pm)
    Sunday, November 7: Race (5pm)

    🇦🇺 Australian Grand Prix

    Venue: Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit
    Friday, November 19: Practice 1 (1.30am), Practice 2 (5am)
    Saturday, November 20: Practice 3 (3am), Qualifying (6am)
    Sunday, November 21: Race (6am)

    🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia Grand Prix

    Venue: Jeddah Street Circuit
    Friday, December 3: Practice 1 (12.30pm), Practice 2 (4pm)
    Saturday, December 4: Practice 3 (1pm), Qualifying (4pm)
    Sunday, December 5: Race (4pm)

    🇦🇪 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

    Venue: Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island
    Friday, December 10: Practice 1 (9.30am), Practice 2 (1pm)
    Saturday, December 11: Practice 3 (10am), Qualifying (1pm)
    Sunday, December 12: Race (1pm) More

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    Miami GP added into F1 calendar for next year with circuit around Miami Dolphins’ Hard Rock Stadium

    FORMULA ONE chiefs have struck a deal to host the Miami Grand Prix from next season.The 10-year contract is a huge shot in the arm for the sport after a difficult 13 months due to the Covid pandemic.
    The Miami GP will be on the 2022 race calendar
    There are a total of 19 corners on the Miami GP circuit
    F1 already has a race in the US in Austin Texas, but it has always been the sport’s target to have more than one race in the States.
    The track will be 5.41km long, have 19 corners, 3 straights and will race around the Hard Rock Stadium, home of the Miami Dolphins.
    Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula One, said: “We are looking forward to bringing the greatest racing spectacle on the planet to Miami for the first time in our sport’s history.
    “We always said that the US is a very important area which we need to develop our business. There is a lot of opportunity to catch and having two races in the US means that we have taken the right direction for the future.
    “We will try to keep the two races separate to keep the right space and this is crucial.
    “We are all proud as F1 because at this moment, 2020 was so difficult, we are now looking ahead and we have put down the foundations for an incredible future for F1.
    “This is an important milestone and once we showed the teams, everyone was like ‘wow, that is where we should be’ and this is the direction we are going in for F1.”
    Red Bull’s Max Verstappen added: “It’s always interesting to go to a new place where we’ve never driven before and Miami is a great city.”
    CASINO SIGN UP OFFER: CLAIM UP TO £800 IN CASINO BONUS CASH

    🏁 F1 2021 calendar: practice times, dates and racetrack info
    And Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto said: “We are delighted that F1 has added a new Grand Prix in the USA, a country where there is great untapped potential interest for this sport and which represents a very important market for our road cars.
    “This event in Miami will certainly be fascinating, taking place in one of the most iconic cities in the USA.
    “This news is yet another sign of the growth and vitality of F1 and the increasing interest it is generating around the world.”
    The 2021 F1 race calendar consists of 23 races and runs until the season finale in Abu Dhabi on December 12.
    This year’s world championship got underway at the end of last month in breathtaking fashion.
    Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton became embroiled in a sensational battle for the race victory, with the seven-time champion eventually coming out on top for Mercedes.
    And the Brit strengthened his case as the favourite for this year’s title by taking pole position at the Emilia Romagna GP on Saturday.
    Red Bull’s Sergio Perez occupies second on the grid ahead of Verstappen, with Charles LeClerc’s Ferrari completing the front two rows.
    Hamilton’s teammate Valtteri Bottas could only manage eighth fastest heading into Sunday’s race.
    Take a virtual lap of the Bahrain race track ahead of Grand Prix Formula 1 start More

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    F1 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix qualifying RESULT LIVE: Hamilton on pole with Sergio Perez second and Max Verstappen third

    LEWIS HAMILTON is on pole as he looks to make it two wins out of two at Imola.Joining him on the front row is Red Bull newcomer Sergio Perez, who caused a stir by finishing ahead of third placed team-mate Max Verstappen.
    Follow ALL the action from Italy with our live blog below…
    NUMERO UNO
    SunSport’s Ben Hunt says: “Lewis Hamilton had the competition licked as he scooped pole 99.
    “It seems silly to say given his impressive tally of P1 starts, but this really was a shock as he qualified ahead of the Red Bulls of Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Imola.
    “The astonishment in the voice of his race engineer, Pete Bonnington, as the result was confirmed was enough to tell you this was a surprise to the team, despite their seven-year domination.
    “And while no points are on offer for Saturday qualifying, Hamilton was ice-cool while Max Verstappen again melted away after another error.”

    MERC MY WORDS
    It was some lap from Lewis Hamilton that secured pole position.
    Take a look at it below.

    QUALIFYING STANDINGS
    Sergio Perez has qualified on the front row for the first time in his F1 career.

    LEW BEAUTY
    Lewis Hamilton has spoken of his delight at securing pole for Sunday’s Grand Prix.
    He said: “The day has been great. I definitely didn’t expect us to be ahead of two Red Bulls. They have been so quick this weekend. There were times when they were six tenths ahead, we didn’t really know where we would be.
    “But the car has been feeling better from the beginning this weekend so respect to the team for the hard work to really narrow down the window.
    “I love the challenge. I think it’s great finally we’ve got the two Red Bulls there. It’s definitely going to make strategy harder and it’ll be a real challenge because they have got great race pace.
    “Their pace was a little bit stronger in the long run yesterday but I’m just so happy. 
    “The first lap was really nice, really clean. There were some improvements on the second lap but it wasn’t quite as good as the first one, but I’m really grateful. I came around the last corner and heard that I got the pole and I was very grateful.”
    HAMILTON TAKES POLE – HIS 99th OF HIS CAREER
    Perez in P2, Verstappen in P3. That was fantastic stuff. Leclerc in P4.
    Norris unlucky in P7.
    LANDO NORRIS LOSES P2
    The McLaren man gets his time deleted. Tough luck for the Brit.
    TRACK LIMITS COULD BE AN ISSUE
    Hamilton could be in trouble,
    HERE WE GO – FINAL RUNS IN Q3
    All 10 cars on track. Verstappen last to cross the line. This could be close.
    HAMILTON TAKES PROVISIONAL POLE
    Verstappen P2. Bottas in P3 after their first runs.
    GREEN LIGHT – Q3 IS GO
    Hamilton v Verstappen v Bottas for pole. Hamilton going for his 99th pole.
    ELIMINATED FROM Q2
    Alonso, Latifi, Vettel, Russell and Sainz. That is a shock to see Alonso and Vettel done by their teammates. Sainz too will not be happy.
    GREEN LIGHT – Q2 IS GO
    And Hamilton leads Verstappen while Bottas in in third. All three should get in to Q3.
    It is all about who get’s knocked out. Williams Alpine and Aston Martin looking vulnerable.
    THAT IS SOME RESULT FROM WILLIAMS
    Remember, they have been the slowest cars on track for a few years. Not anymore.

    ELIMINATED IN Q1
    Raikkonen, Giovinazzi, Schumacher, Mazepin and Tsunoda
    LATIFI AND RUSSELL MAKE IT IN TO Q2
    Great stuff from the Canadian who gets in to Q2 comfortably. He joins Williams teammate George Russell in Q2. A great result for Williams.
    IN THE DROP ZONE FOR Q1
    Russell, Mazepin, Latifi and Schumacher are in the bottom five with Tsunoda, who is obviously out.
    KEEP AN EYE ON THE BOYS IN RED

    GREEN LIGHT – WE ARE GO AGAIN
    Busy track now with just nine minutes remaining of this session. Tsunoda is already out. Who will join him?
    MORE IMAGES OF THAT CRASH – TSUNODA IS ALL OK

    INDEED, THAT WILL NOT POLISH OUT

    RED FLAG – BIG SMASH FOR TSUNODA
    The AlphaTauri man, who has been impressive this season, makes a rookie error at Imola.
    He has spun and destroyed his car. He is fine and out of the car, but that is big damage as he went in backwards into the barrier.
    WELL, THAT’S A GOOD START
    Mazepin has completed a lap without spinning. Still not as quick as Schumacher.
    GREEN LIGHT – QUALIFYING IS GO
    Mick Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin are both out on track as the Haas boys try to get in some early laps.
    BEAUTIFUL DAY IN IMOLA
    No rain, plenty of sunshine. But as we know, this track is still proving tricky, even in ideal conditions.
    ICYMI – THIS IS THE CLASH BETWEEN PEREZ AND OCON YESTERDAY

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    Lewis Hamilton in pole position for Emilia Romagna GP as world champ pips Perez and Verstappen

    LEWIS HAMILTON had the competition licked as he scooped pole 99.It seems silly to say given his impressive tally of P1 starts, but this really was a shock as he qualified ahead of the Red Bulls of Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Imola.
    Lewis Hamilton was all smiles after grabbing yet another pole positionCredit: Getty
    The Brit’s Mercedes was somewhat unfancied to secure P1Credit: EPA
    The astonishment in the voice of his race engineer, Pete Bonnington, as the result was confirmed was enough to tell you this was a surprise to the team, despite their seven-year domination.
    And while no points are on offer for Saturday qualifying, Hamilton was ice-cool while Max Verstappen again melted away after another error.
    Hamilton said: “I did not expect to be ahead of two Red Bulls. They have been so quick, but the car was feeling a lot better from the beginning.
    “I love it! I love the challenge and finally we have the two Red Bulls there and it will make it harder for me because they have great race pace.
    “But I am just so happy. The first lap was clean and when I came around the last corner I was just super grateful.
    “No-one in the team expected pole, but that was the tidiest lap I could put together. We are firing on all cylinders and I think we were fortunate.
    “But it is milliseconds between us all. We can all say we can go faster, but it is what you do in those seconds which count.”
    Hamilton’s words will ring in the ears of Verstappen, who lost out in Bahrain when he passed the world champion with an illegal off-track move that was punished by the stewards.

    🏁 F1 2021 calendar: practice times, dates and racetrack info
    And again the Dutchman was at fault as he drifted off on to the grass on his final flying run, costing him time and losing him his shot at pole.
    He added: “I went off at Turn Three and it was a bit messy. You can’t be good all the time but P3 is still a good starting position.”
    Verstappen will be starting behind his teammate, Sergio Perez, who recovered from crashing into Esteban Ocon during Friday’s practice session.
    The Mexican said: “On Friday, I made a mistake and made the team work hard, so it was a good recovery. I never expected to be in P2.
    “But really, I should have been on pole, as I made a mistake on my final corner but we keep on improving and it is Sunday that matters.”
    Brit Lando Norris was left cursing his luck after being denied the chance to start in third place after exceeding track limits.
    We made a lot of improvements but that one lap that I don’t need to make a mistake on, I effed it all up!Lando Norris

    The race stewards deleted his time for gaining an advantage and he has to start in seventh on the grid.
    He added: “I’m pretty disappointed and pretty annoyed with myself.
    “We made a lot of improvements but that one lap that I don’t need to make a mistake on, I effed it all up! It’s my mistake.”
    Meanwhile, Hamilton’s team-mate Valtteri Bottas will start the race down in eighth while George Russell starts in 12th ahead of world champions Sebastian Vettel, Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen.
    Sports pundits reflect on Lewis Hamilton’s career as he prepares to start a potentially historic F1 season More