Formula 1: Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix Review

A controversial track with an old-school mindset and tough love affections to the cars. 

There has been several debates about getting rid of the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix track off of the Formula 1 schedule. Many drivers and teams are desperate to fight these decisions and keep this iconic track. 

I for one, am hopeful they will retain this track, there are many  historic events that are critical to the foundations of Formula One. 

Papaya on Fire 

In all three practice sessions both McLaren drivers take 1-2, showing off their strength and sophisticated driving. Bortoletto found the barriers with only a few minutes to go in FP1, minimal damage to the car. 

Isaak Hadjar spun out and hit the barriers in FP2 bringing out a brief red flag as he was beached in the gravel. Leclerc’s Ferrari flew in FP3 in turn 14 as he kept over the curb with all four tyres off the ground.Lawson had a near crash as he spun around but managed to continue on safely. 

The Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix sees the new soft tyre C6  on track which is designed for less abrasive circuits to test out these tyres for the first time creating some unstable but thrilling moments. 

Chaotic Crashes

What a crazy qualifying, cars flying around the track and into the barriers. 

Two terrifying moments for Tsunoda and Colapinto (Alpine) both drivers were luckily okay after some heavy hits. An unfortunate end for Ollie Bearman (Haas) just missing out on Q2 due to Colapinto’s crash. 

Sainz desperate to claw through into Q3 and he flies to first place alongside Gasly who is left as the only Alpine in track successfully gets into the final qualifying. 

Astonishing moves from both Aston Martin’s who finally make a mark in this season. Knocking out both Ferrari’s in Q2 which created severe disappointment for the Italian fans. Home hero Antonelli out of Q2 after many successful Q3 sessions but not this time. 

Now for Q3, both McLarens are against Verstappen in the Red Bull, but can they find a way to the top? They are all setting fast laps and personal bests, but are eager to be the best. Only one rookie left for Q3, Isaac Hadjar, is showing impressive consistency skills. The two Williams roared and were ready to take the lead in Q3. 

A variety of tyres for Q3 some on softs and some on mediums, the C6 is the softest tyre and one that’s never been tested at this track yet which is always an exciting revelation. The championship leader secures pole position, Piastri beats Verstappen and his teammate. 

Russel just surpasses Norris edging into third position. A brilliant attempt from Fernando Alonso on a set of used medium tyres who gained 5th the best position they’ve achieved in this season so far. Hadjar took a large curb ruining his last lap and placing him 9th but still a great showing from the young buck. 

The Williams duo surpassed expectations coming in 6th and 7th with Stroll in 8th and Gasly securing 10th, a very good showing from these teams fighting the midfield battles. A tough qualifying for the Ferrari teammates and Antonelli all going out in Q2 and disappointing the Italian fans at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix. 

Hoping for an exciting race and momentum from the fans to spur them on in Sunday’s race. 

The Ultimate Power of Verstappen 

A dominance start from Verstappen as he brakes late and takes the lead from Piastri within the first corner. Piastri was unable to stop the takeover as he charged forward away from the other teams. 

Gasly and Leclerc have a touchy moment with Gasly going off track ripping through the gravel and tumbling down the order. Norris seething to get past Russel and join his teammate but Russel is defending every turn and attempt from Norris. 

Norris finally overtakes Russel on the 11th lap but Alonso in 5th looks eager to launch ahead of Russel but doesn’t quite commit. Some early pit stops from Leclerc, Russel and Sainz getting off the medium tyres which have not been a good race tyre so far. 

Alonso’s exit from the pit lane scares a few stewards since his brakes were on fire, the flame was quickly put out by the speed of his racing car. A slow pit stop for Piastri brings him out in 12th position and a heavy fight ahead for him to get back up to the top.

Russel is having issues with his rear, complaining that something might be broken and so far he’s not shown good race pace like he did in the qualifying. An impressive showing for the Williams drivers showing the 2025 car is a strong competitor. 

Piastri made up the places and overtook desperate to keep the race alive. Norris pits just as Ocon pulls off and causes a virtual safety car causing heartbreak for McLaren fans but Redbull fans roaring with happiness as Max pits with half the time. 

The virtual safety car brings everyone in desperate to gain an advantage on the other cars. The Haas car’s engine failure meant Ocon was the first retirement for Haas this season and for the Imola Grand Prix.

Sainz and Tsunoda have a brief scare as they bump wheels and are dangerously close to crashing, both drivers manage to hang on. Hamilton hurtled forwards making several overtakes and getting up into 5th halfway through the race, the roaring sounds of the Tifosi carrying him through.

Albon tried to defend from Piastri but he was unable to keep him at bay as he swept past him putting the two McLarens in 2nd and 3rd. 

Heartbreaking scenes for Antonelli as his engines stop and he has to abort and pulls up along the grass ending his day with only 15 laps to go. Antonelli’s first DNF comes at his home Grand Prix, a sad story for the rookie. 

With 10 laps to go Verstappen zooms away from the McLaren duo after the safety car and all the cars bunched up together desperate to overtake one another for a final position. 

Ferrari versus Williams as Albon is desperate to overtake Leclerc much to the dismay from the fans but Leclerc’s Defense was in full swing. The McLaren duo raced hard against each other, Norris overtaking Piastri with only 5 laps to go. All whilst Verstappen steams ahead.

A tight moment for Albon and Leclerc nearly bashing wheels, Albon bailed out avoiding a crash and deterring onto the gravel but then coming back onto the track and losing another position to Hamilton. 

Both Ferrari’s neck and neck swapping as Hamilton moves ahead of Leclerc to get into 4th position. With a shocking twist in the final lap the FIA stewards order Leclerc to give the position back to Albon who then splits the two Ferraris at the Emilia-Romagana Grand Prix. 

A marvellous finish for Max, his 400th race finish ends in a pole position and gaining valuable points for Redbull. The McLaren duo as runners up and Hamilton secures 4th bringing joy to the fans. The best finish for Williams so far with Albon in 5th and Sainz in 8th scoring important points to put them ahead for the Constructors Championship. A saddening ending for Mercedes with the DNF from Kimi and the 3rd to 7th position from Russel. 

A shout out to Hadjar the only rookie to score points from this race and again a strong showing of consistency for the young driver. A great recovery drive from Tsunoda snagging the last point in 10th after a big crash in qualifying, glad to see he walked away unscathed from the dangerous crash. 

A disappointing ending for Aston Martin who had a very strong qualifying with both cars in the top 10 but there’s hope that they might be able to start fighting with the big teams again. No points for Kick Sauber, Alpine or Haas who had the DNF with Ocon from a faulty engine. I’m hoping to see more from Colapinto at the next race and to see what he can bring to Alpine as we know there is little time given to new drivers. 

A famous track for fast and furious racing, the Monaco Grand Prix brings a new excitement to street racing and always brings a dramatic and daring race. 

Until next time… See you in Monaco.