Emilia Romagna GP Preview: Schedule and How to Watch

Formula 1 returns to Italy for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Imola, kicking off a European triple-header. The previous race in Miami saw Oscar Piastri secure his third consecutive victory, extending his championship lead over teammate Lando Norris, who finished second.

Max Verstappen currently sits 32 points behind Piastri after a challenging Sprint weekend in Miami. Many teams, including Red Bull, are expected to bring upgrades to Imola hoping to close the gap to McLaren.

Ferrari will be racing on home soil, with Lewis Hamilton making his first appearance in front of the Tifosi as a Scuderia driver. There is increasing pressure on the Italian team.

Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli will also be racing at home, following his impressive Sprint pole position in Miami. George Russell achieved a podium finish, but Antonelli's performance was particularly notable, making his trajectory one to watch.

The Imola Circuit

The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix is held at Imola, an iconic, old-school circuit known for its challenging nature, featuring grass and gravel traps. It returned to the F1 calendar in 2020 on a revised layout. The tight, fast-flowing nature of the track, with only one DRS zone on the main straight, makes qualifying particularly crucial.

Imola Weather Forecast

The current forecast suggests a largely dry and hot weekend with temperatures around 27°C. However, there is a chance of showers on race day.

Emilia Romagna GP Schedule (UK Times)

Thursday May 15

• 2pm: Drivers' Press Conference

Friday May 16

• 8.50am: F3 Practice
• 10am: F2 Practice
• 12pm: Emilia Romagna GP Practice One (session starts 12.30pm)
• 2pm: F3 Qualifying
• 2.55pm: F2 Qualifying
• 3:40pm: Emilia Romagna GP Practice Two (session starts 4pm)
• 5.15pm: The F1 Show

Saturday May 17

• 9am: F3 Sprint
• 11:15am: Emilia Romagna GP Practice Three (session starts 11.30am)
• 1:10pm: F2 Sprint
• 2:10pm: Emilia Romagna GP Qualifying build-up
• 3pm: EMILIA ROMAGNA GP QUALIFYING
• 5pm: Ted's Qualifying Notebook

Sunday May 18

• 7.25am: F3 Feature Race
• 8.55am: F2 Feature Race
• 12:30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: Emilia Romagna GP build-up
• 2pm: THE EMILIA ROMAGNA GRAND PRIX
• 4pm: Chequered Flag: Emilia Romagna GP reaction
• 5pm: Ted's Notebook

F1's European season starts with the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix on May 16-18.