LIVE: everything is ready for FP1 of the F1 Imola GP, follow the Live Commentary of the Free Practice session for Ferrari’s first home weekend. The Maranello team hopes to do well in front of its fans, after the disappointing performance in Miami. McLaren remains the favorite, however, and could further extend its lead in the standings. Keep an eye on Mercedes too, with Andrea Kimi Antonelli making his first Grand Prix appearance in his home country, Italy.
After a week off, the engines of Formula 1 are roaring again. The Circus moves to Italy, in Imola, for the first stage of a long and challenging triple-header, which will also include Monaco and Barcelona. Expectations for the Spanish Grand Prix are sky-high: with the introduction of the new technical directive on flexible wings, some figures in the paddock are predicting a performance “reset.”
A golden opportunity for Ferrari, which is preparing important upgrades. In Maranello, work is being done on the rear suspension – although Lewis Hamilton, during the press conference also attended by the F1inGenerale.com correspondent, denied it – which might debut even earlier than expected. In the meantime, they will have to hold on and perhaps, once again, try to minimize the damage.
Imola GP, weather uncertainty: what will the weather be like during FP1?
The Imola weekend will follow the classic format – three Free Practice sessions, one Qualifying session, and then the Grand Prix – after the Sprint Race in Miami. Weather forecasts suggest a strong chance of rain between Thursday night and Friday morning, but it should give way to sunshine in time for Free Practice 1. Good news for the teams, who will be able to carry out their work program without interruptions.
Is McLaren still the favorite for the Imola GP?
It’s fair to expect McLaren to remain the team to beat, even in Imola. The Woking team, led by Andrea Stella, appears to be the inevitable favorite, while waiting for the much-discussed technical directive in Barcelona. Chasing the Brits will be an updated Red Bull, which doesn’t want to give up on the possibility of a fifth consecutive world title for Max Verstappen.
Mercedes is also hoping for a positive weekend, boosted by the home crowd’s support for local hero Andrea Kimi Antonelli. Ferrari remains a mystery: will Frédéric Vasseur’s men manage to “unlock” the SF-25?
LIVE: Imola GP, Live Commentary of Free Practice 1
The Live Commentary of Free Practice 1 of the Imola GP will begin at 13:15.
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