Max Verstappen receives aid from Nico Hulkenberg before clinching the pole position in Imola

Haas F1 driver Nico Hulkenberg "returned the favour" to Red Bull driver Max Verstappen as the reigning champion raced to yet another pole victory in the Imola Grand Prix. Verstappen now has seven consecutive pole wins.

In a thrilling qualifying session for the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix at Imola, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen clinched his seventh consecutive pole position with the help of a strategic assist from Haas F1 driver Nico Hulkenberg. Verstappen's blistering lap of 1m 14.746s was enough to edge out Oscar Piastri by 0.074s, with Lando Norris securing third place.

A notable incident in the qualifying session was when Max Verstappen benefitted from a slipstream from Nico Hulkenberg across the entire start/finish straight during Q3. This cooperation was a reciprocal gesture, as Verstappen had assisted Hulkenberg during Q2. Hulkenberg, when elaborating on the incident, humorously admitted to Sky Sports:

"We've been helping each other out this qualy. He helped me out a few times in Q2, and I returned the favour."

Nico Hulkenberg found himself in the Q3 yet again at the Imola Circuit. The German driver will start Sunday's race from 10th position. Meanwhile, Oscar Piastri, who finished the qualifying session on P2, faces a post-session stewards visit for allegedly impeding the Haas of Kevin Magnussen earlier in the session.

---

What does Max Verstappen think of Nico Hulkenberg's Audi move?

Hulkenberg is set to depart from Haas F1 at the end of the 2024 season. The German driver will join Audi F1 (currently known as Stake F1 Team Sauber) in 2025.

This move is part of Audi’s ambitious plans to enter Formula 1 with full control over Sauber and their own engine development by 2026. Reigning three-time F1 Drivers' champion Max Verstappen commented on Hulkenberg's upcoming transition, expressing his support and understanding. He said (via Sport1):

"I completely understand why Audi chose him and also why Nico chose Audi. Of course I think it’s better to change teams less often, but sometimes it’s out of your control. So I understand that he is going there and I am very happy for him."

Verstappen emphasized the value of Hulkenberg’s experience for the team. The Red Bull driver added:

"It’s always good for Sauber to have a driver like Nico in the car instead of using a rookie. Then Audi are new to the sport in 2026, Nico has been in Formula 1 for a long time and he really knows what he’s talking about."

Max Verstappen concluded:

"I’m very happy for him that he will be driving in Formula 1 for at least two more years. He absolutely deserves it."

Max Verstappen currently leads the F1 Drivers' standings after six races. He has 136 points to his name, courtesy of four wins.