Verstappen hails set-up changes after surprise Imola pole

“We made some final changes [to the car set-up] before qualifying, and they seemed to make it feel a bit better, so I could push a bit harder.

“This track is unbelievable… On a qualifying lap, to be on the limit here, close to the gravel… I touched the gravel in the last corner. I’m still pumping, the adrenaline is very, very high!”

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Verstappen was then asked about writing more F1 history as he drew level with Ayrton Senna’s record of eight successive poles on the 30th anniversary weekend of the Brazilian’s passing in an accident at Imola.

In addition to topping all seven qualifying sessions so far this year, Verstappen also secured the top qualifying spot at last year’s season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, meaning he equals Senna’s tally set across the 1988 and 1989 campaigns.