Formula 1 arrives in Europe for the seventh round of the 2025 season, set at the iconic Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola, Italy. The Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, scheduled for May 16-18, is poised to captivate global audiences, particularly Brazilian fans, as Gabriel Bortoleto makes his debut in the premier category after shining in Formula 2. In Brazil, the race will be broadcast live on Band, Bandsports, and F1TV, delivering every moment from the Italian circuit.
Imola, steeped in motorsport history, hosts the F1 circus following a season dominated by races in Asia and the Middle East, with the exception of the Miami GP. The track, which rejoined the calendar in 2020, holds a special place for fans, evoking memories of legends like Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher. This year, attention turns to Bortoleto, who knows the circuit from his F2 days, and established stars like Max Verstappen, who triumphed in 2024.
- The schedule includes free practice, qualifying, and the race from Friday to Sunday.
- Live broadcasts will be available on multiple platforms in Brazil.
- Imola marks the start of the European leg of the 2025 season.
IT'S RACE WEEK IN IMOLA 🇮🇹💪#F1 #ImolaGP pic.twitter.com/CYYbkxXkmS
— Formula 1 (@F1) May 12, 2025
Circuit history
The Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, nestled in Imola, ranks among Formula 1’s most storied venues. Built in 1953, it hosted races as the San Marino GP until 2006 before returning in 2020 as the Emilia-Romagna GP. The 4.9-kilometer track blends high-speed corners with technical sections, demanding precision and speed from drivers. In 2024, the race saw Max Verstappen fend off Lando Norris in a thrilling finish to claim victory.
The circuit’s return in 2020 was prompted by the Covid-19 pandemic, which forced Formula 1 to overhaul its schedule and include new tracks like Imola. Since then, the venue has become a fan favorite, drawing packed crowds eager to witness the action. The 2025 edition will mark the sixth consecutive race since its comeback, cementing its place in the modern F1 landscape.
Gabriel Bortoleto’s journey
At just 20 years old, Gabriel Bortoleto is one of Brazil’s brightest motorsport prospects. After clinching the Formula 3 title in 2023, he competed in Formula 2 in 2024, where he secured pole position at Imola. Though he finished second in that race, his performance caught the eye of F1 teams, earning him a seat for the 2025 season.
- F3 champion in 2023 with consistent victories.
- Pole position in F2 at Imola in 2024.
- F1 debut in 2025, representing Brazil.
- Prior experience at Imola, a potential advantage.
Hailing from São Paulo, Bortoleto has drawn comparisons to Brazilian icons like Felipe Massa and Emerson Fittipaldi for his speed and composure. His move to F1 marks a milestone for Brazil, which hasn’t had a full-time driver in the series since 2017. At Imola, Bortoleto has a chance to shine on a track he knows well, facing off against seasoned competitors.
2024 race recap
Last year’s Emilia-Romagna GP was dominated by Max Verstappen, who started from pole and held off Lando Norris in the final laps to win. Charles Leclerc, racing for Ferrari on home soil, rounded out the podium, thrilling the Italian crowd. Verstappen also set the fastest lap at 1:15.484, underscoring his command of the circuit.
The 2024 race featured intense battles, particularly for second place, where Norris pushed Verstappen but couldn’t overtake. For Brazilian fans, the weekend was memorable as Gabriel Bortoleto excelled in Formula 2, securing pole and a second-place finish in the support race, signaling his readiness for the F1 stage.
Race weekend schedule
The Emilia-Romagna GP 2025 kicks off on Friday, May 16, with the first free practice sessions. These early runs are critical for teams to fine-tune their cars for Imola’s demanding layout. Saturday’s qualifying sets the grid, while Sunday’s race promises high-stakes action from start to finish.
- Friday, May 16:
- Free Practice 1: 8:30 AM
- Free Practice 2: 12:00 PM
- Saturday, May 17:
- Free Practice 3: 7:30 AM
- Qualifying: 11:00 AM
- Sunday, May 18:
- Race: 10:00 AM
The times, adjusted to Brazilian time, make it easy for fans in Brazil to follow. Band and Bandsports will provide full coverage, while F1TV offers exclusive features like onboard cameras and technical insights.
Track challenges
Imola’s layout, with corners like Tamburello, Villeneuve, and Acque Minerali, tests drivers’ precision. The 19-turn circuit includes a main straight where cars exceed 300 km/h, but overtaking is tricky due to its narrow design. For Gabriel Bortoleto, his F2 experience at Imola could help, though adapting to F1’s faster cars will be a challenge.
Weather may also play a role. May in Emilia-Romagna typically brings mild temperatures, but rain is not uncommon, potentially adding unpredictability. The 2023 race was canceled due to heavy flooding, and teams are monitoring forecasts closely for 2025.
Imola’s historical stats
The Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari has hosted 30 Formula 1 races, including its San Marino and Emilia-Romagna iterations. Michael Schumacher leads with seven wins, followed by Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost with three each. Max Verstappen, with two victories, is tied with Nelson Piquet and could climb the ranks in 2025.
- All-time win leaders:
- Michael Schumacher: 7
- Ayrton Senna: 3
- Alain Prost: 3
- Max Verstappen: 2
- Most pole positions: Ayrton Senna (8).
The track is also remembered for tragic moments, like Senna’s fatal crash in 1994, which spurred major safety improvements in F1. Today, Imola blends its storied past with cutting-edge facilities, offering a unique challenge for modern drivers.
2025 season outlook
The 2025 season has already delivered thrilling races in Australia, China, Japan, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Miami. Max Verstappen leads the drivers’ championship, but Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc are hot on his heels, setting the stage for fierce battles in Imola. For Gabriel Bortoleto, the race is a chance to make his mark and score valuable points.
Teams are also honing their strategies. Ferrari, racing at home, aims to rebound from a mixed start, while McLaren banks on Norris’s speed. Red Bull remains the team to beat, and Bortoleto’s squad is focused on optimizing his car for his technical driving style.
Race weekend highlights
The Emilia-Romagna GP is more than a race; it’s a celebration of Italian motorsport. The local “tifosi” fans create an electric atmosphere, especially for Ferrari. The Emilia-Romagna region also draws visitors with its cuisine, from tortellini to Parmigiano-Reggiano, enhancing the race weekend experience.
- Notable facts:
- Imola hosted the San Marino GP from 1981 to 2006.
- The track saw Senna set a record for consecutive poles.
- It’s one of few circuits run counterclockwise.
- Local attractions: Enzo Ferrari museums and cultural events during the GP.
Team preparations
Teams arrive in Imola after weeks of car tweaks. Red Bull, leading the constructors’ standings, introduces aerodynamic upgrades to stay ahead. Ferrari, under pressure at home, has improved its engine, while McLaren focuses on high-speed corner stability. Bortoleto’s team is tailoring the car to his preferences, leveraging his familiarity with Imola’s technical demands.
Free practice sessions will be key for testing these changes. In 2024, Verstappen dominated practice, but Norris and Leclerc showed pace. Qualifying on Saturday will be critical, as Imola’s layout makes passing difficult during the race.
Brazil’s legacy at Imola
Brazil has a deep connection to Imola, defined by Ayrton Senna’s three wins and eight poles. Nelson Piquet also claimed two victories. Now, Gabriel Bortoleto carries the torch, bringing a new generation’s talent to the Italian circuit.
In 2024, Bortoleto’s F2 pole at Imola earned praise for his tire management and composure. Those skills will be tested in F1, but the Brazilian is prepared to compete at the highest level, honoring his country’s rich motorsport heritage.
