Formula 1 arrives in Imola: Hamilton and Colapinto in the spotlight
The Formula 1 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix is held this weekend in Imola, Italy, promising strong emotions and significant changes. Lewis Hamilton, now a Ferrari driver, will experience the passion of the Tifosi for the first time in a Grand Prix. Meanwhile, Franco Colapinto returns to the F1 grid with Alpine, after a driver swap with Jack Doohan.
Colapinto will have only five races to prove his worth at the head of Alpine, Flavio Briatore.
The Imola contract expires at the end of 2025, and the future of the race on the F1 calendar is uncertain. Formula 1 boss Stefano Domenicali has expressed the difficulty of maintaining two races in Italy, which could make this the last edition.
The weather forecast indicates sun for Friday and Saturday, with temperatures up to 21°C. On Sunday, scattered showers are expected, which could add an element of unpredictability to the race.
Franco Colapinto has five races to prove his worth in Alpine.
Since the last race in Miami, Alpine has been in the news with the arrival of a new teammate for Pierre Gasly and the unexpected departure of team principal, Oliver Oakes.
Carlos Sainz Sr. has announced his intention to run for FIA president, with James Vowles showing his support for the candidacy.
In addition, television analyst and former F1 driver Martin Brundle has been recognized with an OBE.
Formula 1 raced for the first time at the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari in 1980, and it became an iconic circuit.
History and circuit statistics
The Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari, also known as Imola, is a circuit with a rich history in motorsport. Inaugurated in 1953, it hosted its first Formula 1 race in 1980, becoming the only Italian Grand Prix that was not held in Monza.
The circuit hosted the San Marino Grand Prix for 26 years, until 2006, and returned to the calendar in 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic. The 2023 edition was canceled due to flooding in the region.
Key data:
- First F1 race: 1980
- Lap record: 1:15.484, Lewis Hamilton (2020)
- Most wins (since 1980): Michael Schumacher with seven
- Most poles (since 1980): Ayrton Senna with eight
The circuit is known for its challenging curves and technical layout, which make it a favorite for both drivers and fans. The Acque Minerali sector is a key point for spectators.
Max Verstappen and Lando Norris.
What happened last year
In 2023, Max Verstappen won by a narrow margin of 0.725 seconds over Lando Norris. Charles Leclerc, of Ferrari, finished third.
Race Predictions
Although Oscar Piastri is the favorite of the betting houses, Max Verstappen is the favorite to win this weekend.
Oscar Piastri leads the drivers’ championship by 16 points.
This is how the championships are
Piastri leads the drivers’ championship with a 16-point advantage. McLaren dominates the constructors’ championship with a 105-point lead over Mercedes.
Lewis Hamilton will experience the Tifosi at a Grand Prix this weekend.
How to watch the Grand Prix
For fans in the United States, the race will be broadcast on ESPN and ESPN+. Coverage in the UK will be handled by Sky Sports F1 and BBC Radio 5 Live.
For news and analysis, follow Alofoke Deportes’ coverage.
Schedules (BST):
- Friday: Free Practice 1: 12:30-13:30
- Friday: Free Practice 2: 16:00-17:00
- Saturday: Free Practice 3: 11:30-12:30
- Saturday: Qualifying: 15:00-16:00
- Sunday: Race: 14:00
