Why F1 triple-header could define 2025 season

Formula 1 heads to Imola for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, kicking off a European triple-header crucial for the title race. McLaren's Oscar Piastri leads the championship by 16 points over teammate Lando Norris, with Max Verstappen 32 points behind.

Mclaren showed dominant pace in Miami. If this continues, the championship could narrow down to a two-driver battle. However, several critical factors and a technical clampdown could change things over the next few weeks. The triple-header includes Imola, Monaco (May 23-25), and Spain (May 30-June 1).

Upgrades galore at Imola

Most teams are expected to bring upgrades to Imola, a typical practice for European events after a break. Monaco is often avoided for major upgrades due to its unique nature and crash risk.

Ferrari already introduced a new floor in Bahrain, and Verstappen used a revised floor in Miami, but these haven't closed the gap to McLaren significantly. Christian Horner mentioned Red Bull's updates are incremental. "There is no big update for Imola... We're at the stage of these regulations where it's all incremental gains," he said, emphasizing the championship is a marathon.

Mclaren has been quiet about development but focuses on refining their already strong package and making the car more comfortable for Norris, who felt less confident earlier in the season. Team Principal Andrea Stella noted they are engineering solutions for this.

Mercedes is bringing a significant upgrade to Imola, aiming to reduce tyre degradation issues and close the gap. Toto Wolff acknowledged competitors will also progress.

Ferrari's Frederic Vasseur confirmed "some small upgrades" for Imola. These updates across teams are key before focus shifts fully to the 2026 regulations.

New Monaco strategy rules

Monaco will feature a mandatory two-pit stop rule to make the race more strategic and exciting. This aims to combat the often processional nature of the event on the tight street circuit. Charles Leclerc believes it will add necessary 'spice'.

The rule is expected to encourage drivers to push harder throughout the race and create more strategic variance. Verstappen highlighted the intense focus needed in Monaco, where small mistakes are costly.

Controversial flexi-wing clampdown in Spain

New, stricter load tests for wings will be introduced at the Spanish Grand Prix. While deflection limits were updated in Melbourne, the Barcelona tests will focus on front-wing flexing. Some cars have shown wings visibly moving on straights, potentially for aerodynamic advantage.

Mclaren CEO Zak Brown is unconcerned by the rule change, stating it doesn't affect them and suggesting competitors focusing on McLaren's car is a good distraction. Christian Horner noted it's a "significant change" that will affect all cars.

Ferrari hopes upgrades combined with the flexi-wing test will help them close the gap. Vasseur suggested the new tests might be a "reset of the performance of everybody."

The European F1 season starts this weekend at Imola.