13 May 2025 14:00 (UTC)
"We now head to Imola for the start of the triple-header and our first European race of the season"
After six trophy-laden, action-packed rounds in various time zones, we’re heading a little closer to home this weekend, as we race in Europe for the first time in 2025.
Emilia-Romagna is a beautiful region in which to go racing, combining beautiful landscapes, such as the Tuscany-Emilia Apennines National Park and the Casentino Forests, with historic medieval towns like Bologna and surrounding ancient villages.
Ahead of the upcoming European triple header, we have spoken with Lando, Oscar and Team Principal Andrea Stella. We’ve also looked at why we love Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, what its main challenges are, and how you should be dressing.
“I’m excited to go to Imola and kick off the European leg of the season. The Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix is an enjoyable one, so I’m looking forward to it.
“It was great to head back to the MTC to see the team and celebrate our success from Miami but also to continue our preparations for this busy triple header. The car’s been great and I’m ready for what’s to come.”
“I go to Imola with a lot of positivity and confidence as well as the determination to keep pushing. It’s an old-school track with iconic corners like Acque Minerali and Piratella and I’m excited to drive it in the MCL39.
“I’ve got good momentum behind me and I’m extremely focused heading into this first race of the European swing of the season.”
“After a very successful weekend for the team in Miami, we now head to Imola for the start of the triple header and our first European race of the season. The Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix is always a great event, and the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari is a challenging and historic circuit which often provides exciting racing. The combination of fast and slow corners make it demanding for the drivers and engineers alike.
“It has been a busy and strong start to the season, I would like to once again thank the entire team for their continued hard work. We look forward to racing again in Imola.”
The Enzo e Dino Ferrari circuit has a rich history in racing, dating back to the 1950s, when it served as a regular testing venue for Formula 1 teams. This led to a temporary spot on the F1 calendar in 1980, briefly replacing Monza as the Italian Grand Prix, and then to a permanent place from 1981 as the San Marino Grand Prix.
Ayrton Senna, Alain Prost, and David Coulthard all earned historic victories at the circuit in that period, including in 1988 when the Brazilian and Alain finished more than a lap ahead of everyone else.
Imola is a legendary motor racing venue, but it also has a tragic history. It was at the Enzo e Dino Ferrari circuit where Ayrton was tragically killed 31 years ago, following a high-speed crash. Only one day earlier, fellow driver Roland Ratzenberger had died during Qualifying.
Overtaking is one of the biggest challenges at Imola, although that doesn't guarantee the victor will have started from Pole. Only 11 of the 31 races to be held at the Enzo e Dino Ferrari circuit have been won by the polesitter, while nine have been won from second.
It’s a long way to the first turn, and this will often see the lead change hands when the lights go out. From there on, though, overtaking becomes much harder.
Imola is a high-speed circuit, which is thrilling in Qualifying as cars navigate old-school turns such as Acque Minerali, Rivazza, and Piratella. However, it’s also narrow and technical, with just one DRS zone, making it difficult to race side by side.
Strategy can also play a key role, as can the weather, but whoever has the lead at the exit of the first corner will be in with a great chance of winning.
THIS WEEKEND
Last time out in Miami, we became the first team to finish 1-2 in both a Sprint and a Grand Prix on the same weekend. Meanwhile, Oscar is now the first McLaren driver since Mika Häkkinen in 1998 to win three consecutive Grands Prix.
Our incredible 58-point haul extended our lead at the top of the Constructors’ Championship, with Oscar and Lando first and second, respectively, in the Drivers’ standings.
We’ve been enjoying a warm and sunny Spring in Europe, and that’s left many of us scrambling to find our summer clothes. If you’re looking to top up your wardrobe with some high-quality seasonal pieces, then Reiss’ latest McLaren collection might be exactly what you're after.
