The seventh round of the 2025 Formula 1 season marks the sport’s return to Europe, with the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola hosting the much-anticipated Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix. After a string of races in the Middle East, Arab countries, and the United States, the paddock heads to Italy — and the pressure is on for Ferrari to deliver in front of a passionate home crowd.
So far, the season has been a two-way fight between Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, with the McLaren duo consistently at the front. Max Verstappen, however, remains a serious contender, aiming to disrupt the McLaren dominance. The Miami Grand Prix once again saw the Australian ace come out on top, securing his fourth win of the season, ahead of Norris and Mercedes’ George Russell.
Ferrari, meanwhile, have struggled to make an impact. Both Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz finished outside the top five in Miami, crossing the line seventh and eighth, respectively. Now, Imola offers a crucial opportunity to turn things around — and the stands will be packed with fans hoping to see a red resurgence.
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Last year, Verstappen claimed victory at Imola ahead of Norris and Leclerc. In fact, Ferrari haven’t won here since Michael Schumacher’s 2006 triumph, back when the race was still known as the San Marino Grand Prix. Since Formula 1’s return to Imola in 2020, the Prancing Horse has failed to reach the top step of the podium.
Heading into the weekend, Leclerc sits fifth in the Drivers’ standings with 53 points, trailing Piastri by 78. Lewis Hamilton is down in seventh place with 41 points, as Mercedes continue their own struggles.
In the Constructors’ Championship, McLaren lead comfortably with 246 points, followed by Mercedes on 141 and Red Bull on 105, despite Verstappen’s heroics. Ferrari sit fourth with just 94 points, well adrift of their rivals.
For Ferrari, Imola is more than just a race — it’s a shot at redemption, a chance to give their fans something to cheer after a frustrating start to the season.
