Formula 1 heads back to Europe this weekend as the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix takes place at Imola, kicking off a busy run of three races in three weeks. The race promises several firsts, with Lewis Hamilton driving in Italy for the first time as a Ferrari driver and young Italian Kimi Antonelli making his home debut for Mercedes.
Argentine driver Franco Colapinto will also be in the spotlight as he steps in for Alpine, replacing Jack Doohan after a previous spell with Williams. Alpine are hoping for a strong result after the sudden resignation of team boss Oliver Oakes.
Hamilton, despite a sprint win in Shanghai, has had a tough start to his first season with Ferrari. The team sits fourth in the constructors’ standings, well behind McLaren, who have dominated the early part of the season with six wins in seven races. Oscar Piastri currently leads the championship, followed by teammate Lando Norris.
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who has won the last three races at Imola, is 32 points off the top, while McLaren remain the favourites going into this weekend.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff praised Antonelli’s progress but stressed the focus must remain on points. Ferrari and other teams are expected to bring car upgrades now that the season is in Europe, while upcoming races in Monaco and Spain will introduce new rule changes, including a second mandatory pitstop and stricter tests on car parts.
With home favourites, rising stars, and title battles heating up, Imola looks set to deliver another dramatic chapter in the 2025 F1 season.
