2022 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix

The fairytale just wasn’t to be for Ferrari at Imola, but its drivers shot themselves in the foot a little bit to allow Red Bull to close up even more quickly in what is set to be a thrilling title fight.

Max Verstappen’s pole position on Friday was earned without seeing the full potential of Charles Leclerc over one lap, and when the championship leader got the better start in the sprint to lead the first 19 laps, it looked like being another Ferrari weekend. But Verstappen hit back to win, and Sunday’s Grand Prix was even more convincing from the defending champion.

Heavy rain overnight was followed by a beautiful morning in Emilia Romagna, but from midday onwards the clouds gathered and there were more downpours, ensuring a wet start to the race with the entire field on intermediates.