New Delhi: It is the first European Grand Prix of the season as Formula One comes to Italy, in the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. Imola currently remains one of the few tracks where neither Oscar Piastri nor Lando Norris have won. The last three races have been won by Max Verstappen. Saturday will see the qualifiers take place, with the two McLarens as the favourites.
Throughout this season, they have won all but one race, with Piastri winning four of the six races and Lando Norris winning the opening race week in Australia. Mercedes have been the second quickest on the paddock with George Russell regularly featuring in the pole position. Ferrari have been struggling despite having Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, though they have shown hints of pace. Red Bull too have been under a bit of heat with Max Verstappen struggling to defend his Driver’s Championship title.
Imola has been one of the trickiest race tracks, with each corner having claimed a driver’s ego at some point and in a couple of instances, more than the ego. Since Ayrton Senna’s death in 1994, the track has been redesigned to make it safer, but the straights and corners are still fast. It has featured in the F1 calendar very consistently since the start of the discipline in 1950.
How drivers and teams stand
For McLaren both the driver’s are occupying the top spot, with Piastri leading the charge with 131 points followed by Norris who 115 points. Verstappen has 99 points while Russell has 93 points, in fourth place followed by Leclerc. Andrea Kimi Antonelli is in sixth place with 48 points. Hamilton has 41 points and is yet to secure a podium finish for the Ferrari side.
McLaren lead the way in the standings 🔝
Here’s how the points stand after the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 👇#F1 #SaudiArabianGP pic.twitter.com/IQgKGSILX1
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 20, 2025
It is McLaren who are leading the charge with 246 points from the season with Mercedes in second having collected 141 points. Red Bull have 105 points having not yielded only two point finishes from their second driver. Ferrari have taken 94 points with their first win being the Chinese Sprint. Williams have surprised everyone with their pace and apart from the top four, have lately found some consistency. Hass have collected 20 points and are separated by six points from Aston Martin.
Aston Martin have had a disappointing season, with Fernando Alonso losing the steam lately. Racing Bulls, Alpine and Kick Sauber are all separated by a point, taking eight, seven and six respectively.
When and Where to Watch the F1 Imola GP?
Fans can watch all F1 Imola GP sessions and actions on the Fancode and F1 TV apps. The qualifying on Saturday is scheduled to happen at 7:30 PM IST. The Sunday race is scheduled at 6:30 PM IST.
Formula One reaches Europe for the first time, Italy hosting the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in the Imola Circuit. While Max Verstappen is the defending champion, it is McLaren who are on the roll. Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
