FAQ
The Formula 1 circus moves to Europe: Ferrari has a home game at the weekend in Imola (all sessions from Friday, 1.30 p.m. and the race on Sunday from 3 p.m. in the live ticker at Sportschau.de)-maybe the last one in the Emilia-Romagna. In addition to the “red”, Red Bull is also under heavy pressure, the sports show answers the most important questions.
Why is it maybe the last stop in Imola?
The seventh season race of Formula 1 in the AutoDromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola is increasing. It is also the first stop in Europe after the season started in Australia and then made a guest appearance in Asia, the Gulf States and the USA. Because the contract between Formula 1 and the operators of the traditional route expires in Imola, it could initially be the last major price of the Emilia-Romagna.
What would this mean for Formula 1?
It would be another sign that tradition in modern Formula 1 counts little. The Italian fans always ensure a goosebumps atmosphere, the seat of Ferrari in Maranello is very close. In addition, the route is popular with the drivers, Nico Hülkenberg describes it as “Fast, narrow and demanding.” But because the money is not so relaxed on site, the contract extension seems unlikely. A small consolation for all Tifosi: The Grand Prix of Italy in Monza remains in the calendar until at least 2031.
Who is new to the circus?
The break after Miami’s Grand Prix in early May was short, but a lot has happened in the meantime. At Alpine, according to the out of Oliver Oakes Formula 1 veteran Flavio Briatore, the leader of the team rose to the team leader, and the Argentine driver Franco Colapinto replaced the hapless and extremely critically posted Australian Jack Doohan since the beginning of the season. Red Bull Woben rumors that the weak performance could have consequences for team boss Christian Horner.
What does Red Bull hope for now?
The once dominant Red Bull have been overtaken by the high -flyers of McLaren and also by Mercedes – and only because of Max Verstappen, according to the World Cup stand. The Dutch world champion always gets the maximum out of the car, but also needs a very cheap course of the race to have chances of win despite the performance disadvantages. The update for the RB21 announced for Imola has to sit – otherwise there is a long, frustrating season.
Max Verstappen from Team Oracle Red Bull Racing
Who are the favorites?
Oscar Piatri is the man of the hour, the Australian McLaren pilot has won four of the six races and leads the World Cup. The achievements of Lando Norris in the second McLaren have so far been too fluctuating, so it has fallen back in secondary World Cup and in the team internal hierarchy. The two are also clearly favored in Imola. George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, born in nearby Bologna, have so far convinced in Mercedes, Red Bull and especially Ferrari with Charles Leclerc and record world champion Lewis Hamilton fall.
How is the mood at Scuderia?
Porca Miseria … The initial euphoria has long since evaporated. Almost worse than the results so far is the picture that the Scuderia gives. The drivers and the command stand fought several times over the pit radio, with the exception of the triumph of Hamilton at the sprint of China, Ferrari only drove behind. A successful home race would therefore be all the more important – especially for the mood and confidence in the team.
Is swearing so expensive?
No, something has changed. In the dispute over “inappropriate language” in motorsport, the FIA has taken a step towards the active criticism. On Wednesday (May 14, 2025), the FIA announced an adaptation of the penalty catalog, it was about “Significant improvements after a comprehensive review on behalf of FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem”. The dispute between Formula 1 and Ben Sulayem drivers around supposedly inappropriate language has been smoldering since last year. Specifically, the maximum possible sanctions have now been mitigated, instead of five -digit amounts, penalty payments of a maximum of 5,000 euros can now be imposed by the racing commissioners.
Is also one Suspended sentence possible?
Yes, that too is new. In the future, the commissioners should take into account when deciding whether any strength expressions were made in a “controlled” or “uncontrolled” environment – for example at a press conference or in the heat of the race on the radio. In addition, the stewards should have the opportunity to suspend a punishment for probation in the future if it is the first offense.