Verstappen looking forward to rain race: 'It's gonna be really interesting'

Max Verstappen will start the Grand Prix in Imola from pole position on Sunday afternoon. While the Dutchman seems to have an advantage over pursuer Charles Leclerc, he knows that under the current track conditions it can still be tricky.

Prior to the race weekend, the drivers seemed to be facing a somewhat dry Sunday, but nothing turns out to be further from the truth. Indeed, just a few hours before the race, there is already a lot of rainwater on the track, leaving Verstappen to prepare for a situation that is difficult to predict.

Verstappen frankly admits a few hours before the race that the teams need to adjust. "I don't think we expected this much rain," Verstappen tells Formula1.com. "It's gonna be really interesting because it's very wet right now. It doesn't matter. Makes it even more exciting."

Verstappen takes victory in sprint race

A day earlier, Verstappen already started the weekend well by taking victory in the sprint race. He managed to keep his direct rival Leclerc behind him. Sergio Perez also performed excellently with a third finishing position, while Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris finished behind.