Imola is one of the most beloved F1 circuits, so the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix is always special for motorsports fans. Max Verstappen was dominant on this track over the last few years, but the balance of power has changed these days and some new dogs are on the block looking to mark their territory.
From what we saw, McLaren looks excellent, and its drivers have a chance to take it all here at the Enzo and Dino Ferrari circuit.
Here are F1 odds, for all those looking.
2025 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix Preview
Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen were quicker than the rest of the competition, and the two were separated by only 0.034 parts of second, with Piastri taking the pole. The Aussie clinched the top spot in the final qualifying lap, stripping Max of yet another pole here in Imola.
Piastri was looking in control here, and it’s no wonder this guy has three wins in a row and four this year. Despite Verstappen’s three pole positions, it appears that not only does Piastri drive near perfection, but McLaren is, in fact, much better than Red Bull right now.
OSCAR PIASTRI TAKES POLE AT IMOLA!!! 💪#F1 #ImolaGP pic.twitter.com/07Ky3w7FJb
— Formula 1 (@F1) May 17, 2025
The consistency of the English team provides a much-needed boost for both of their drivers, who, unlike Max or any other stars, aren’t that experienced or have encountered similar situations in the past.
Mercedes’ George Russell was third, and we need to add that he too had solid pace, meaning that the Silver Arrow might challenge their top two rivals this season and maybe seal a win. The German team wasn’t in the focus that much this season, although Russell had 4 podiums, which is respectable.
Lando Norris was fourth, but he did experience a lack of pace, and that’s something he needs to address. Norris evidently won’t be the No.1 driver unless he makes big-time changes and reaches Piastri in the near future.
Fernando Alonso, a veteran and two-time champion, was magnificent in his Aston Martin, taking fifth place on the grid. We are very interested in seeing whether Aston Martin has enough power and consistency to take this one all the way and make some points. Alonso retired twice and didn’t go above the 11th position this year.
Williams’ drivers finally showed up, having a solid qualifying session. Carlos Sainz ended 6th, and Alexander Albon placed once behind his teammate. For a long time, Williams looked sleepy, but in the end, these guys showed potential to attack the top five places and maybe even the podium.
Ferrari was disgraceful once again, finishing their qualifiers in the second part. Leclerc was 11th, and Hamilton was 12th. It’s really time for the Prancing Horse to ask themselves why they are still hanging on to Leclerc when he obviously isn’t the caliber for such a great team like Ferrari.
Emilia Romagna Grand Prix Previous Races
Max Verstappen won in the last three races in 2021, 2022, and 2024. The 2023 Grand Prix didn’t take place due to massive floods in this region. Lewis Hamilton was the winner in 2020.
So, we can say that Verstappen really likes the track and knows pretty much everything about it.
2025 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix Predictions
Piastri is our favorite here. This is Max’s turf, and we saw during the qualifiers that the champion has good pace but Piastri’s performances are astonishing and if he doesn’t make some big mistakes, we simply don’t see how he can’t win.
The Aussie’s vehicle is perfect, while Max oscillates too much. Norris, too, might be in the picture, so for those who are brave enough, take the McLaren one-two combo because it pays very well and is worth risking.
- Pick: Piastri wins
