Nico Hulkenberg admitted to intentionally giving Max Verstappen a slipstream during the final laps of qualifying, which helped the Red Bull driver secure pole position for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.
After the first runs in Q3, Verstappen was fastest ahead of Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc in 1:14.869.
Verstappen improved to 1:14.746 on his final run, which he needed to do, as the McLarens of Oscar Piastri and Lando were both quicker than the reigning world champion’s opening lap time in Q3.
After qualifying, footage showed Nico Hulkenberg, qualifying 10th, towing Verstappen to the first chicane of the Dutchman’s final lap in Q3, which almost certainly made a key difference in the battle for pole.
“Max and I helped each other in qualifying,” Hülkenberg told Sky Sports F1.
“He helped me several times in Q2 and I returned the favor. Sometimes you need support.”
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Qualifying highlights for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix
Verstappen: We were towing friends
Hülkenberg was the first driver to complete his final run in Q3 and Verstappen tactically let the Haas driver pass before the penultimate corner, while Hülkenberg was on a flying lap and followed him into the final corners.
This meant Verstappen was in Hulkenberg’s slipstream on the main straight as the Haas driver punched a hole in the air with his car, giving less drag to the car behind.
Normally the driver in front would move out of the way after completing his own lap so as not to help the car behind, but Hülkenberg kept his foot on the accelerator pedal and towed Verstappen to the first braking zone of the chicane. Tamburello.
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Second-placed Oscar Piastri reacts after learning Max Verstappen was towed by Nicolas Hulkenberg and could have allowed Verstappen to take pole.
“We were already tow buddies in Q2 and Q3, so I towed him to turn 17, then he towed me to turn two,” Verstappen said.
“I think I came a little too fast for my liking because I missed the second turn a little bit, so I won and then I lost a little bit in the second turn.
“Overall, I think it helped me a little bit. But when you’re struggling all weekend and finally it happens, you have to look for those little advantages to try to stay ahead, and this has worked wonderfully.”
Emilia Romagna GP live schedule from Sky Sports F1
Sunday May 19
7:30 a.m.: F3 featured race
9 a.m.: F2 featured race
12:30 p.m.: Grand Prix Sunday: preparation for the Emilia-Romagna GP
2:00 p.m.: The EMILIA ROMAGNE GRAND PRIX
4:00 p.m.: Checkered flag: reaction from the Emilia-Romagna GP
5 p.m.: Ted’s notebook
8 p.m.: Indy 500 qualifying
Formula 1 heads to Europe as Imola returns to the calendar following the cancellation of last year’s race. Watch the Emilia Romagna GP this weekend, with Sunday’s race at 2 p.m. Stream every F1 race and more with a NOW Sports Month subscription – No contracts, cancel anytime
