Max Verstappen matched Ayrton Senna’s long-standing record of eight consecutive Formula 1 pole positions after impressively hitting back to deny Miami victors McLaren in qualifying for Sunday’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

Verstappen faced a serious challenge from both McLaren drivers after a difficult start to the weekend for world champions Red Bull at Imola but ultimately found the speed he needed in qualifying with a final lap of 1:14.746 to pip Oscar Piastri, who initially qualified second, and Lando Norris to the head of the grid by less than a tenth of a second.

However, Piastri’s second position always appeared vulnerable after the Australian had been placed under investigation by stewards during Q1 for impeding Kevin Magnussen. A three-place penalty was later confirmed for Piastri, dropping him to fifth and promoting team-mate Norris to the front row next to Verstappen.