BRIEFING F1: EMILIA ROMAGNA GP

Formula 1 finally returns to Europe, and it does so with a race on Italian soil. Imola, with its circuit named after Enzo and Dino Ferrari, marks the first truly historic track of the season—a place that blends emotion, technical challenges, and deep-rooted memories, continuing to test drivers and teams like few others can.

The championship arrives in Emilia-Romagna with the hierarchy fairly well established: Oscar Piastri and McLaren sit atop both standings, seemingly unchallenged. The MCL39 has proven to be an almost flawless machine, and the Australian driver—cool-headed and consistent—is steadily pushing Lando Norris into a secondary role, even though many had tipped Norris as a natural favorite for the title.

But every Grand Prix has a story of its own, and that’s especially true at the Santerno. At Imola, where overtaking is notoriously difficult, qualifying becomes absolutely crucial. That one hour on Saturday afternoon could very well decide how Sunday plays out. Whoever starts up front essentially holds the keys to the race, while those who falter risk getting stuck in traffic, unable to climb back into contention.

This is a warning sign for Norris, who has recently shown some cracks in qualifying, undermining otherwise promising weekends. At Imola, a poor Saturday could mean missing the podium altogether—something the Brit simply can’t afford. His performance will be closely scrutinized, especially now that he must prove he deserves his spot as a true title contender.

On the flip side, the nature of the weekend could play right into Max Verstappen’s hands. The Dutchman often excels in qualifying, capable of squeezing more than expected out of his car in a single lap. If he can secure pole, even a less dominant Red Bull could become a serious threat to McLaren’s apparent superiority.

The 2025 edition of the Imola Grand Prix has other special elements, too. Kimi Antonelli, the young talent from Bologna recently promoted to Mercedes, will essentially be racing in his own backyard. For him, it’s an emotional first race in Italy—fueled by local support, familiar surroundings, and the pressure of knowing there’s no room for mistakes. It’s a mental challenge as much as a technical one.

On the other side of the garage, Lewis Hamilton will experience his first Imola race as a Ferrari driver. It’s an event charged with affection and expectation, love and pressure. Racing in the red car in Italy is never simple—but doing so on a track that carries the Ferrari family name takes it to another level. And with the Scuderia arriving in less-than-stellar form, the emotional weight on the seven-time world champion will be even heavier.

Imola is also ripe for surprises and twists, especially in a weekend where mistakes can be decisive. Midfield teams will be eager to capitalize—hoping to nail Saturday’s qualifying and hold on during the race. Among the curiosities is Franco Colapinto’s return to the grid, stepping in for Doohan at Alpine: a golden opportunity to prove himself.

The weather forecast promises a dry and sunny weekend, allowing teams to perform at their full potential. One variable to watch closely is Pirelli’s introduction of the new C6 compound: an ultra-soft tire that could influence both race pace and pit stop strategies.

Racing at Imola always carries a certain magic, almost like a ritual. But as is often the case in modern F1, the risk of disappointment is real—especially for Ferrari fans who still long for the epic battles of the past. Still, the hope that this circuit can deliver something memorable never really fades.

Realistically, Ferrari will aim to limit the damage and bring home a respectable result. But if anyone can truly ignite the crowd, it’s Antonelli: a podium finish from the young Bolognese in a Mercedes could win over even the most die-hard Ferrari supporters.

© Simone Marchetti Cavalieri

Race Frame