Welcome back to the Track Limits Podcast! Tune in with Henny, Mikey, and Swish as they unpack all the highlights from the recently concluded Imola Grand Prix.
Following his breakthrough victory, Lando Norris and the McLaren team shifted their focus from podium placements to clinching more race wins in the future. However, Red Bull's bid to reassert dominance hit a snag with a challenging FP1, FP2, and FP3, casting doubts on their performance. Nevertheless, Max Verstappen defied the odds by securing pole position, outpacing the formidable McLaren duo.
Imola, renowned for its historic circuit, initially offered little excitement during Sunday's race until Lando intensified the pressure on Max in the final 15 laps. As Max grappled with tire degradation, Lando's tires surged, resulting in a nail-biting finish with Max crossing the line merely 0.7 seconds ahead. This close call suggests that Red Bull might not enjoy the commanding season many anticipated.
Amidst the strain of a lacklustre team weekend, Max added a 24-hour sim racing event to his schedule, dividing his time between track and hotel room simulations with his racing team. Remarkably, they clinched victory with a Verstappen-esque lead of 32 seconds.
With the Monaco Grand Prix looming as a consecutive race weekend, anticipation is high. Last year, we witnessed a captivating qualifying session on this track. Will we witness the end of the Charles Leclerc curse, or will it persist?
