| Date | May 16th-18th |
|---|---|
| Circuit Length | 4.909 km |
| Laps | 63 |
| Lap Record | 1:15.484 – Lewis Hamilton (2020) |
| Previous Winner | Max Verstappen – Red Bull (2024) |
History of the F1 Imola GP
The Emilia-Romagna, officially called the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari since 1988, began construction in March 1950. By October 1952, the circuit was ready for testing, and it hosted its first race the following year in 1953.
Imola welcomed a non-championship Formula 1 race in 1963. However, it wasn’t until 1980 that the track was granted the privilege of hosting the Italian Grand Prix, following negotiations with Monza. Starting in 1981, Imola became a staple of the F1 calendar under the iconic ‘San Marino’ Grand Prix title, hosting 27 Grands Prix until 2006. After a brief hiatus, the circuit reappeared in 2020, this time as the venue for the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, earning its place once again in the Formula 1 standings.
The San Marino GP and the tragedy of 1994
Imola’s history is not without tragedy. The 1994 San Marino GP is one of the darkest weekends in Formula 1 history. During Friday practice, Rubens Barrichello suffered a severe crash at the Variante Bassa, leaving him unconscious for several minutes. On Saturday, Austrian driver Roland Ratzenberger lost his life during qualifying.
The following day, Ayrton Senna, widely regarded as one of the best F1 drivers of all time, tragically passed away after crashing at high speed in the Tamburello corner during the race. Following these events, significant safety improvements were implemented, including adding a chicane at Tamburello to reduce speeds and enhance driver safety.
Circuit Specifications
- Corners: 19
- DRS Zones: 1
- Pit Stop Strategies: Imola’s track surface is moderately abrasive, meaning tire degradation is a concern but not extreme. The high time cost of pit stops at Imola (around 27–30 seconds) heavily influences strategy. A one-stop race is the most common choice
- Most Used Tires: Starting on the medium compound, followed by a switch to the hard around Lap 25-30
Pierre Gasly described testing his AlphaTauri AT01 at Imola ahead of the 2020 season as one of the most exhilarating moments of his career in a Formula 1 car. His teammate at the time, Daniil Kvyat, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the thrill of navigating high-speed corners like Acque Minerali. “The entrance is so fast, it’s so cool. It really gives you a lot of adrenaline,” Kvyat remarked.
The anti-clockwise layout of Imola, with its blend of speed and technicality, offers a unique challenge for Formula 1 teams. Drivers must push their limits at iconic corners such as Acque Minerali and Piratella, capturing the old-school essence of this historic circuit while demanding precise setups and strategies from their teams.
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Imola GP FAQs
- Which driver has the most wins at Imola?
Michael Schumacher holds the record with 7 victories at this circuit. - Which team has the most wins at Imola?
Ferrari leads with 8 wins at this historic track. - What is the average speed at the Imola GP?
The average speed at the Imola GP is approximately 230 km/h.