Max Verstappen snatches sprint race and pole at Auto Emilia Romagna

Max Verstappen won Saturday’s Emilia Romagna Sprint race after dramatically passing Charles Leclerc on the penultimate lap at Imola.

Verstappen started from the front before losing the lead to Leclerc following a slow getaway.

But after a frenetic conclusion to the 21-lap dash, Verstappen ruined Ferrari’s homecoming party by fighting his way ahead of Leclerc at the Variante Tamburello to take the chequered flag and pole position for Sunday’s Grand Prix.

"The start was very bad. I don't know exactly what happened but after that we had to stay calm," said Verstappen.

"Initially it looked like Charles had more pace but I think he ran out of tyres and I was able to close the gap. I know tomorrow will be different. Happy to have a clean sprint race in the end.

"I am happy about today but I know tomorrow - with other tyre compounds coming in - it will be different."

There was further misery for Lewis Hamilton after he started 13th and finished only 14th.

All smiles from @Max33Verstappen with his medal