World champion Max Verstappen aiming for Red Bull success after winning sprint pole on ‘amazing track’ at Imola

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen celebrated pole position in qualifying on Friday which sees him start Saturday’s sprint from the front. Eight points are on offer for the winner at the truncated race, and also decides the grid for Sunday’s full race at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix. Ad/> The Dutch world champion had swapped the lead regularly with current campaign leader, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, but a late red flag after third-placed Lando Norris crashed out meant that he was able to secure pole without a late challenge.

Emilia-Romagna Grand PrixHamilton decries Mercedes struggles: 'Each weekend is a rescue'2 HOURS AGO Speaking after the race, Verstappen said: «It was tricky out there with the dry/rain. It was very slippery. »It was hectic, a long qualifying but of course in the end happy to be here.

It is an amazing track and it really punishes you if you make a mistake. «I am really pleased with pole. It will be different weather at the weekend but a good start.

Verstappen takes Imola sprint pole position as Hamilton's woes continue Hamilton: Buying Chelsea would be a 'dream' Mercedes boss Wolff: 'Literally zero grip' at Imola »Our first three races in general didn't go to plan but we will try to have a good weekend here." /> Leclerc, who took second, admitted he had failed to make a challenge in the final session. «It was very tricky, especially on the slicks. There were quite a lot of wet patches and it was all about putting the laps in and waiting for Q3 to put it together,” he said.