The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola delivered fast-paced, technical, and dramatic races, marked by overtakes and strategic battles amid challenging track conditions. 

Max Verstappen of Red Bull made a spectacular start by overtaking the pole-sitter and current leader of the world driver championship (WDC), Oscar Piastri, with a daring move around the outside of the first corner. 

Oscar Piastri, the leading driver of the last three races, secured pole position following a strong qualifying performance. He initially defended well, despite ultimately having to settle for third place behind Verstappen and Lando Norris. Lando Norris also showed a very promising pace, with McLaren demonstrating strong form throughout the weekend, including topping the free practice sessions times. 

Yuki Tsunoda’s qualifying session at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix ended abruptly due to a heavy crash in Q1. On his first flying lap, the Japanese driver took too much curb at the entry to the Variante Villneuve chicane, losing control of his RB2. He slammed into the barriers at high speed, causing the car to flip over before landing upright again due to the new and improved safety fencing. 

For the young Italian driver, Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s home race at the Grand Prix was highly anticipated. Being born and raised in Bologna, just 30 minutes away from the Imola Circuit, Antonelli considers Imola to be his “proper home race”. As he is still a student, he invited his entire class of 25 schoolmates and 2 teachers as VIP guests.