After each Grand Prix, we present the RaceReport, offering you an exclusive and playful digital recap of the race weekend. Reporters André Venema and Gerard Bos bring you up to speed from Imola!
A CLASSIC FALLEN TO BIG MONEY
The Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari owes its global fame largely to the darkest 24 hours in Formula 1 history. In 1994, Roland Ratzenberger and Ayrton Senna died in accidents on consecutive days in Imola. And after five editions, this classic race will be removed from the calendar next year.
Curva Rivazza, Curva Piratella, Curva Tosa, Variante Alta, and Variante Tamburello – the spot where Ayrton Senna’s life tragically ended: these are the captivating names of turns etched into the circuit’s history. For a long time, it seemed that Formula 1 had moved on from Imola, but in 2020, amidst the pandemic, Imola was given a second chance which it seized with both hands.
Stefano Domenicali, the head of Formula 1’s commercial rights holder Liberty Media, played a part in this. The Italian, who in his younger years worked as an assistant at the media center on the circuit, holds it very close to his heart. When Formula 1 was looking for suitable locations to put together a calendar in the midst of 2020’s challenging times, he did not forget his old love.
Since then, the GP Emilia-Romagna, as the race in Imola is officially known, has been a staple. Max Verstappen won four out of the five races, in 2023 the GP was cancelled due to flooding in the region, and after this edition, Formula 1 will not return. The bargaining chip has run out after five years, and according to the FOM, two GPs in Italy is too much. Because Monza is not up for debate.
Madrid, which has spent millions to secure a spot on the calendar, will replace Imola in 2026. Yet another classic race is being sacrificed for a hefty sum of money and a street race: the green Italian oasis will give way to a stretch of asphalt in a bleak Madrid industrial area.
Tifosi in Imola
Max’s Remarkable Quote
“I haven’t felt as good as I did this weekend in the car all season. The victory is fantastic, I’m proud of the team. The start of the race wasn’t even that good, but I was on the outside with Oscar Piastri and went for it, once in the lead I had good speed. This made it a great weekend, during which we significantly improved from Friday.”
Top & Flop
After every Grand Prix, we bring you the Top and Flop of the race weekend! Who was on top and who flopped this weekend in Imola? It’s clear: the reigning world champion stood head and shoulders above the rest, while a familiar face disappointingly fell short…
TOP
Max Verstappen
What Max Verstappen demonstrated in Imola is not just top-notch, it’s TOP in capital letters. The reigning world champion showcased his sublime skills on Sunday by masterfully controlling the race. Yes, he had the advantage of the Virtual Safety Car. But even before he made his pit stop, he proved to be in a league of his own when it came to tire management. And what about that brilliant overtaking maneuver on Oscar Piastri in the opening round? Verstappen dominated as usual in Imola and won a Grand Prix where there were issues with the RB21 on Friday; together with Red Bull, he managed to make a leap forward. Not for the first time. And probably not for the last. Hats off to him.
FLOP
Franco Colapinto
Admittedly, until Sunday afternoon, Ferrari was on track to become the flop of the weekend. After the eleventh and twelfth place in the qualifiers, the local heroes in red made a commendable recovery in the race. The same cannot be said for Franco Colapinto, often praised at Williams and expected by Alpine to perform better than Jack Doohan. Colapinto’s debut for the French racing team, and thus his return to Formula 1, was a major disappointment in Imola. Of course, one needs time to adjust to a new car, but the crash in the qualifiers was a driver’s error, and during the race, the Argentine didn’t perform well either. Does he need more time, or is he perhaps not as good as many believe?
BEHIND THE SCENES
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Results of the 2025 Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix
At the 2025 Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, Verstappen surprised everyone with a victory in Imola, following a brilliant overtaking maneuver.
Additional Observations from Imola
Win One of These Two Posters!
In collaboration with Automobilist.com, an official partner of Formula 1, FORMULE 1 Magazine is giving away luxury posters several times this season – true works of art! This time, it’s about special posters of the AMR25 from Aston Martin and the SF25 from Ferrari of this season! (both 50×70 centimeters, valued at 99 euros)
Three Questions for… Carlos Sainz
‘My father would be a great candidate’
Carlos Sainz has found his place at Williams after a fluctuating start. However, in Imola, the focus is mainly on his father, a former rally world champion, who is considering whether to challenge the current president of the International Automobile Federation (FIA), Mohammed Ben Sulayem. “He wants to give something back to the sport now.”
Carlos, there’s a lot of talk about your father wanting to challenge FIA President Ben Sulayem. A good idea?
“Many people in the paddock, not me though, have been warming him up to this idea lately. And over time, he has started to seriously consider it. But he hasn’t put together a team or anything like that yet. But he’s thinking about it and depending on how he sees things and assesses his chances, he will decide whether or not to do it. So, we’ll have to wait and see…”
Is he a better candidate than Ben Sulayem in your opinion?
“I am his son, and therefore biased. But he has been my mentor since karting, has guided me in Formula 1 for ten years now, has been involved in rally racing himself for forty years, and has run many campaigns for mobility work in Spain… He is someone who knows so many aspects of motorsport, is at the end of his active career, and is now trying to give something back to the sport. Objectively speaking, even though I am his son, I don’t think there is a better candidate. Whether he will do it is up to him, but he is evaluating all options.”
On a different note: will Williams be a permanent challenger to Ferrari this year, as in Miami?
“I don’t believe so. We have been able to challenge them once in six Grand Prix this year… I think that roughly indicates the balance of power. If they continue to develop their car faster to be able to fight for the championship and we don’t, the difference will probably become larger. I think there is a relatively small chance that we can engage in a battle with them again as in Miami. But if that is the case, we need to maximize such a weekend and learn from what happened in Miami. Because after that race, we were somewhat disappointed.”
Formule 1 Podcast
We reflect on the Grand Prix from Imola with reporter Gerard Bos, where Max Verstappen brilliantly claimed victory. Is Oscar Piastri the big loser of this race in Italy, can Ferrari leave Emilia-Romagna with their heads held high, and has Aston Martin resolved their issues? You’ll hear all this and more in the Paddock Talk Update podcast!
Next Grand Prix: Monaco
Circuit de Monaco
“After the technical challenges of Imola, the Formula 1 circus moves on to one of the most iconic races of the year: the Monaco Grand Prix. The narrow streets of Monte Carlo provide the backdrop for pure precision, where every mistake is ruthlessly punished. The street circuit through the principality is notorious for its tight corners, lack of overtaking opportunities, and unforgettable atmosphere. Below you will find the full schedule for the weekend of May 23 to 25.
Schedule for the Monaco GP 2025
Friday, May 23
- First free practice: 11:30 – 12:30 UTC
- Second free practice: 15:00 – 16:00 UTC
Saturday, May 24
- Third free practice: 10:30 – 11:30 UTC
- Qualification: 14:00 – 15:00 UTC
Sunday, May 25
- Race: 13:00 UTC
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