Can Piastri make it 4 in a row?
At this level, nothing about ’s rise ought to come as a shock. Over his first two seasons in F1, we’ve seen him steadily eradicate weak spot after weak spot. Tyre administration, one-lap tempo, consistency – it seems to be like he’s ticked all of the bins whereas retaining his core strengths. Calm, rational, and extremely analytical, he’s now working on the high of his recreation, profitable one race after one other.
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Having began the season within the shadow of – broadly tipped as a pre-season title contender – Piastri has not solely stored up however now seems to be the main driver. That shift has been aided by Norris’s current struggles to piece collectively clear weekends since Australia. So the query stays: which of the 2 is really the quickest?
If Norris manages to ship a trouble-free weekend, it’ll be fascinating to see whether or not Piastri can nonetheless come out on high.
– Oleg Karpov
Lando Norris, McLaren, Oscar Piastri, McLaren
Lando Norris, McLaren, Oscar Piastri, McLarenSteven Tee / Motorsport Pictures
Steven Tee / Motorsport Pictures
underneath highlight in Italy
Imola, on the coronary heart of Ferrari territory, is able to welcome Method 1 with the same old ardour of the tifosi – one of many Scuderia’s best belongings, but additionally a supply of strain. After a blended begin to the season, with a dash win in China standing out as the one main spotlight, Ferrari must ship a response.
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The structure of Imola ought to go well with the SF-25 higher than Miami did, and the crew will introduce its first set of upgrades. Nonetheless, the bundle received’t be particularly in depth – not as important as what rivals are planning for Spain, the place Ferrari additionally has a much bigger replace lined up.
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
Charles Leclerc, FerrariAndy Hone / Motorsport Pictures
Andy Hone / Motorsport Pictures
Can preserve combating the massive boys?
Williams has emerged within the final two races because the clear chief of the tightly packed midfield – and Imola presents the possibility to point out it will probably do greater than beat its direct rivals. In Miami, Albon completed forward of a (Antonelli’s) and a Ferrari (Hamilton’s). Can Williams once more shake up the same old high 4?
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The three upcoming European rounds, all held at conventional circuits, will assist reveal whether or not Williams ought to preserve focusing on Q3 and minor factors – or dare to dream of extra.
The crew advantages from having two highly-competitive drivers who can reap the benefits of any alternative. However Imola may also reignite questions concerning the dynamic between them.
In Miami, crew orders induced confusion – particularly for Sainz. . But when the automotive stays aggressive and each drivers preserve pushing, intra-team battles may turn out to be a recurring headache – notably if the crew doesn’t clearly outline who will get precedence.
– Jose Carlos de Celis
Carlos Sainz, Williams
Carlos Sainz, WilliamsZak Mauger / Motorsport Pictures
Zak Mauger / Motorsport Pictures
Colapinto’s first race for
couldn’t have requested for a greater venue to start out his Alpine profession. The Argentinian is aware of Imola properly, having produced robust outcomes right here up to now – profitable in Method 3 in 2022, and once more in Method 2 in 2024, the latter with a spectacular last-lap transfer for the lead on the surface of Tamburello.
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Whereas he’ll as soon as once more take pleasure in passionate assist from his followers – as he did on debut in Monza final yr – this time the highlight might be brighter. In contrast to his Williams cameo, Colapinto enters Imola with expectations, particularly after Alpine’s resolution to drop simply six races into 2025.
Franco Colapinto, Alpine
Franco Colapinto, AlpineMark Sutton / Motorsport Pictures
Mark Sutton / Motorsport Pictures
However there are vital variations in comparison with final yr. Then, he had solely half a day of testing and one FP1 session earlier than his debut. Now, he’s logged 9 grands prix and spent the early a part of 2025 as Alpine’s reserve, getting ready with 1000’s of hours within the Enstone simulator and TPC mileage.
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That is his second to show he belongs in F1 for the long run.
– Federico Faturos
Antonelli’s first residence race – one other step?
There are milestone moments in each F1 driver’s journey: first race, first podium, first win – and the primary residence grand prix. This weekend, will get to expertise the latter at Imola, only a brief distance from his hometown, surrounded by household, associates, and followers.
He is aware of the circuit from his junior years, however the problem now’s each bodily and psychological. There’s the ambition to ship a robust end result – one thing that can closely rely upon qualifying. To date, Antonelli has proven flashes of brilliance on Saturdays, but additionally the inconsistency typical of rookies.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, MercedesMercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz
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Then comes the emotional strain of racing at residence. However that is the place Antonelli has stood out thus far: composed, mature past his age, and supported firmly by Mercedes. With no main errors and strong performances thus far, he has a robust basis to construct on – and can goal to make his first residence race a memorable one.
– Gianluca D’Alessandro
Pictures from Emilia Romagna GP – ThursdayAndrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, MercedesSam Bloxham / Motorsport Pictures
Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Pictures
Franco Colapinto, Alpine
Franco Colapinto, AlpineSam Bagnall / Motorsport Pictures
Sam Bagnall / Motorsport Pictures
Carlos Sainz, Williams
Carlos Sainz, WilliamsLars Baron – Motorsport Pictures
Lars Baron – Motorsport Pictures
Max Verstappen, Crimson Bull Racing
Max Verstappen, Crimson Bull RacingLars Baron / Motorsport Pictures through Getty Pictures
Lars Baron / Motorsport Pictures through Getty Pictures
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, MercedesSam Bloxham / Motorsport Pictures
Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Pictures
Tyre heaters within the Paddock
Tyre heaters within the PaddockSam Bloxham / Motorsport Pictures
Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Pictures
Oscar Piastri, McLaren
Oscar Piastri, McLarenSam Bagnall / Motorsport Pictures
Sam Bagnall / Motorsport Pictures
Pierre Gasly, Alpine
Pierre Gasly, AlpineSam Bagnall / Motorsport Pictures through Getty Pictures
Sam Bagnall / Motorsport Pictures through Getty Pictures
Max Verstappen, Crimson Bull Racing
Max Verstappen, Crimson Bull RacingRed Bull Content material Pool
Crimson Bull Content material Pool
Franco Colapinto, Alpine
Franco Colapinto, AlpineSam Bagnall / Motorsport Pictures
Sam Bagnall / Motorsport Pictures
Max Verstappen, Crimson Bull Racing
Max Verstappen, Crimson Bull RacingRed Bull Content material Pool
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Mercedes bodywork
Mercedes bodyworkFranco Nugnes
Franco Nugnes
Franco Colapinto, Alpine
Franco Colapinto, AlpineSam Bagnall / Motorsport Pictures
Sam Bagnall / Motorsport Pictures
Pierre Gasly, Alpine
Pierre Gasly, AlpineSam Bagnall / Motorsport Pictures through Getty Pictures
Sam Bagnall / Motorsport Pictures through Getty Pictures
Nico Hulkenberg, Sauber
Nico Hulkenberg, SauberLars Baron – Motorsport Pictures
Lars Baron – Motorsport Pictures
Franco Colapinto, Alpine
Franco Colapinto, AlpineSam Bagnall / Motorsport Pictures
Sam Bagnall / Motorsport Pictures
Oliver Bearman, Haas F1 Staff
Oliver Bearman, Haas F1 TeamPeter Fox / Getty Pictures
Peter Fox / Getty Pictures
Franco Colapinto, Alpine
Franco Colapinto, AlpineSam Bagnall / Motorsport Pictures
Sam Bagnall / Motorsport Pictures
Lance Stroll, Aston Martin Racing
Lance Stroll, Aston Martin RacingZak Mauger / Motorsport Pictures through Getty Pictures
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Yuki Tsunoda, Crimson Bull Racing
Yuki Tsunoda, Crimson Bull RacingRed Bull Content material Pool
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Jonathan Wheatley, Staff Principal of Stake F1 Staff Kick Sauber and Peter Sauber
Jonathan Wheatley, Staff Principal of Stake F1 Staff Kick Sauber and Peter SauberZak Mauger / Motorsport Pictures
Zak Mauger / Motorsport Pictures
Pierre Gasly, Alpine
Pierre Gasly, AlpineSam Bagnall / Motorsport Pictures
Sam Bagnall / Motorsport Pictures
Yuki Tsunoda, Crimson Bull Racing
Yuki Tsunoda, Crimson Bull RacingRed Bull Content material Pool
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Isack Hadjar, Racing Bulls, Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls
Isack Hadjar, Racing Bulls, Liam Lawson, Racing BullsRed Bull Content material Pool
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Max Verstappen, Crimson Bull Racing
Max Verstappen, Crimson Bull RacingRed Bull Content material Pool
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Gabriel Bortoleto, Sauber
Gabriel Bortoleto, SauberLars Baron – Motorsport Pictures
Lars Baron – Motorsport Pictures
Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Staff, Oliver Bearman, Haas F1 Staff
Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Staff, Oliver Bearman, Haas F1 TeamPeter Fox / Getty Pictures
Peter Fox / Getty Pictures
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, MercedesSam Bloxham / Motorsport Pictures
Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Pictures
Isack Hadjar, Racing Bulls
Isack Hadjar, Racing BullsZak Mauger / Motorsport Pictures
Zak Mauger / Motorsport Pictures
Gabriel Bortoleto, Sauber
Gabriel Bortoleto, SauberLars Baron – Motorsport Pictures
Lars Baron – Motorsport Pictures
Pierre Gasly, Alpine
Pierre Gasly, AlpineSam Bagnall / Motorsport Pictures
Sam Bagnall / Motorsport Pictures
Max Verstappen, Crimson Bull Racing, Yuki Tsunoda, Crimson Bull Racing
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George Russell, Mercedes
George Russell, MercedesSam Bloxham / Motorsport Pictures through Getty Pictures
Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Pictures through Getty Pictures
Isack Hadjar, Racing Bulls, Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls
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Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin Racing
Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin RacingZak Mauger / Motorsport Pictures through Getty Pictures
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Flags on the Ayrton Senna Memorial
Flags on the Ayrton Senna MemorialSteven Tee / LAT Pictures through Getty Pictures
Steven Tee / LAT Pictures through Getty Pictures
A Roland Ratzenberger flag on the fencing
A Roland Ratzenberger flag on the fencingSteven Tee / LAT Pictures through Getty Pictures
Steven Tee / LAT Pictures through Getty Pictures
Lance Stroll, Aston Martin Racing
Lance Stroll, Aston Martin RacingZak Mauger / Motorsport Pictures through Getty Pictures
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Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls
Liam Lawson, Racing BullsRed Bull Content material Pool
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Jonathan Wheatley, Staff Principal of Stake F1 Staff Kick Sauber and Frederic Vasseur, Staff Principal of Scuderia Ferrari discuss with Peter Sauber
Jonathan Wheatley, Staff Principal of Stake F1 Staff Kick Sauber and Frederic Vasseur, Staff Principal of Scuderia Ferrari discuss with Peter SauberLars Baron / Motorsport Pictures through Getty Pictures
Lars Baron / Motorsport Pictures through Getty Pictures
Oscar Piastri, McLaren
Oscar Piastri, McLarenSam Bagnall / Motorsport Pictures through Getty Pictures
Sam Bagnall / Motorsport Pictures through Getty Pictures
Oliver Bearman, Haas F1 Staff
Oliver Bearman, Haas F1 TeamPeter Fox / Getty Pictures
Peter Fox / Getty Pictures
Yuki Tsunoda, Crimson Bull Racing
Yuki Tsunoda, Crimson Bull RacingRed Bull Content material Pool
Crimson Bull Content material Pool
Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin Racing
Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin RacingZak Mauger / Motorsport Pictures through Getty Pictures
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Ayao Komatsu, Haas F1 Staff
Ayao Komatsu, Haas F1 TeamPeter Fox / Getty Pictures
Peter Fox / Getty Pictures
Isack Hadjar, Racing Bulls
Isack Hadjar, Racing BullsRed Bull Content material Pool
Crimson Bull Content material Pool
Franco Colapinto, Alpine
Franco Colapinto, AlpineZak Mauger / Motorsport Pictures through Getty Pictures
Zak Mauger / Motorsport Pictures through Getty Pictures
Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Staff
Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 TeamSam Bagnall / Motorsport Pictures through Getty Pictures
Sam Bagnall / Motorsport Pictures through Getty Pictures
Oscar Piastri, McLaren, Lance Stroll, Aston Martin Racing, Franco Colapinto, Alpine
Oscar Piastri, McLaren, Lance Stroll, Aston Martin Racing, Franco Colapinto, AlpineSam Bagnall / Motorsport Pictures through Getty Pictures
Sam Bagnall / Motorsport Pictures through Getty Pictures
Max Verstappen, Crimson Bull Racing
Max Verstappen, Crimson Bull RacingRed Bull Content material Pool
Crimson Bull Content material Pool
Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin Racing, Alan Permane, RB F1 Staff
Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin Racing, Alan Permane, RB F1 TeamZak Mauger / Motorsport Pictures through Getty Pictures
Zak Mauger / Motorsport Pictures through Getty Pictures
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