As Formula 1 returns to Imola this weekend, Lewis Hamilton is set to experience the passionate support of the Tifosi at a Grand Prix for the first time while driving for Ferrari. The seven-time world champion`s season has seen varied results, including a sprint victory and a disqualification.
Meanwhile, Franco Colapinto joins the F1 grid with Alpine for a five-race stint, replacing Jack Doohan as part of a driver swap.
Colapinto previously drove for Williams, replacing Logan Sargeant for the final nine races of last season starting from the Italian Grand Prix. Now, he has a five-race opportunity with Alpine to impress team boss Flavio Briatore.
The 2025 race might be the final time Formula 1 visits Imola, as the circuit`s contract concludes at the end of the year. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has indicated that maintaining two Italian races on the calendar is challenging.
Should this be the last Imola race, it could be memorable, especially with forecasts suggesting a potential wet Grand Prix. While Friday and Saturday predict sunny conditions and temperatures reaching 21°C, scattered showers are expected throughout Sunday.
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Former F1 driver and TV analyst Martin Brundle has been awarded an OBE.
Circuit stats and history
The Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari is one of motor racing`s historic circuits, with its first race held in 1953.
Formula 1`s first visit was in 1980, hosting the Italian Grand Prix (the only time it wasn`t at Monza). From 1981 to 2006, Imola was a fixture on the calendar as the San Marino Grand Prix before being removed to accommodate the Belgian Grand Prix`s return.
Loved by drivers and fans, the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari is a classic track. F1 made a return here in 2020 when the calendar was impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.
Imola hosted four more Grands Prix, though the 2023 event was cancelled due to severe flooding in the region. With its contract ending in 2025, this could potentially be the circuit`s last appearance on the F1 calendar as the sport explores new venues.
Emilia Romagna Grand Prix
First F1 race: 1980
Lap record: 1:15.484, Lewis Hamilton (2020)
Most wins since 1980: Michael Schumacher with seven (1994, 1999, 2000, 2002-2004, 2006). From the current grid:
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Max Verstappen (2021, 2022, 2024)
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Hamilton (2020)
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Fernando Alonso (2005)
Most poles since 1980: Ayrton Senna with eight (1985-1991, 1994). From the current grid:
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Verstappen (2022, 2024)
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Hamilton (2021)
What makes it special: A classic circuit featuring tight, undulating corners and legendary status. On a sunny day, the surrounding park makes it one of the most picturesque tracks in F1.
What the drivers say about it: `It`s old school, fast, and you need to be precise.` — Sebastian Vettel
Where to watch from: Acque Minerali (Turns 11-12). A brilliant section in which the cars have to brake downhill into a little valley and then accelerate back out. Faster and trickier than it looks on TV.
What happened last year?
In a tense battle, Max Verstappen narrowly defeated Lando Norris, winning by just 0.725 seconds. Ferrari`s Charles Leclerc finished third, 7.9 seconds behind Norris, after losing time by missing his braking point and cutting the chicane during the race.
Who will win?
Oscar Piastri arrives on a streak of three consecutive victories and is currently the bookmakers` favorite to win this weekend.
However, Verstappen set the fastest qualifying time in Miami and has secured pole position in three of the last four races. If he replicates this in Imola, overtaking opportunities are limited, and McLaren`s typical in-race tire advantage might be less significant due to potentially lower degradation.
For these reasons, we`re predicting Verstappen as the likely favourite, despite the current form.
How the championships look
Piastri is in strong form, leading the drivers` championship by 16 points and having secured four wins – three more than any other driver.
Similarly, McLaren holds a dominant lead in the constructors` championship, ahead by 105 points, with five wins and 10 podium finishes compared to Mercedes` four podiums and no wins.
How to watch the GP
For viewers in the U.S., coverage is available on ESPN and ESPN+.
In the U.K., live coverage can be found on Sky Sports F1 and BBC Radio 5 Live.
Session times below in BST (British Summer Time). Local time (Central European Summer Time) + 1 hour.
Friday
Free practice one: 12:30-13:30 BST
Free practice two: 16:00-17:00 BST
Saturday
Free practice three: 11:30-12:30 BST
Qualifying: 15:00-16:00 BST
Sunday
Race starts: 14:00 BST
