One fast lap time is no longer so relevant in Imola, because there is no traditional qualifying session later on Saturday. The grid for the Grand Prix on Sunday will be determined by the results of the sprint race, which starts on Saturday afternoon at 4.30 pm at the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari.
The fastest time in the second session was set by Mercedes driver George Russell: 1.19.457. Verstappen’s teammate Sergio Pérez set the second fastest time, followed by Charles Leclerc. Verstappen’s lap that was good for seventh was more than nine tenths slower than Russell’s time. There were technical difficulties for Valtteri Bottas (Alfa Romeo) and Daniel Ricciardo (McLaren), who were unable to play at all. Ricciardo’s teammate Lando Norris also barely got into action due to a problem in the braking system.
Verstappen will start the sprint race from pole position on Saturday, after being fastest in Friday’s hectic qualifying. The chance of rain increases in Imola later in the afternoon. There is also a chance of rain on Sunday during the ‘feature race’.