The 2025 Formula 1 Imola Grand Prix marks the beginning of the European phase of the racing season. As teams and fans gear up for the first continental race, anticipation is running high. Historically, the Imola track has been unpredictable due to varying weather conditions, such as the rain-affected races in 2021 and 2022. With Max Verstappen boasting four consecutive wins at this venue, there’s growing speculation on whether he can extend that streak to five.
This race weekend is particularly crucial because it’s often when teams introduce their most significant car upgrades. Being the first race in Europe, Imola becomes the testing ground for these enhancements. Many believe that the developments showcased here could shape the rest of the season. Teams like McLaren, who have previously capitalized on upgrades, are under the spotlight to see if they can repeat such performance leaps.
The championship race continues to intensify, with attention shifting to the intra-team rivalry at McLaren. Oscar Piastri is gaining favor among pundits, while Lando Norris is striving to make a comeback after a few error-prone races. Norris has shown better synergy with the car recently, which could give him a shot at pole position — a key factor for success at Imola, where overtaking opportunities are limited.
The tire strategy is another focal point. Due to cars generating excessive dirty air, races have become increasingly processional. Pirelli hopes to mitigate this by introducing softer tire compounds, potentially adding unpredictability to the race. Meanwhile, in terms of form, Oscar Piastri is enjoying one of the strongest starts ever for a McLaren driver, while Ferrari is struggling to maintain its former competitiveness and will be looking for a turnaround.
All eyes will also be on rookie Kimi Antonelli, who races in front of a home crowd for the first time. Meanwhile, Red Bull continues to show dominance in fast-speed sections, but the softer tires may benefit McLaren. Though Lando Norris appears confident, it is Oscar Piastri who’s expected to triumph, making it four wins in a row. Racing Bulls, based near Imola, could be the surprise team of the weekend, potentially breaking into the midfield competition.
On the other hand, the biggest letdowns may come from Haas, whose car has struggled on fast tracks, and Lewis Hamilton, who might continue his sub-par qualifying performances compared to Charles Leclerc. Liam Lawson is another driver to watch—though he hasn’t scored yet this season, there’s belief he could finally deliver. Imola’s demanding layout will test every team and driver, making this weekend a possible turning point in the 2025 F1 season.