F1 2025 Imola Grand Prix weather forecast – Latest from E…read more
The 2025 Formula 1 season has reached a thrilling juncture as the seventh round, the Imola Grand Prix, is set to take place at the iconic Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Italy’s Emilia Romagna region this weekend. Since its return to the calendar in 2020, the Imola Grand Prix has provided a captivating blend of speed, skill, and strategy while honoring a rich history in F1 racing.
As the drivers prepare for the weekend’s festivities, McLaren’s Oscar Piastri holds a 16-point lead over teammate Lando Norris in the drivers’ standings. Piastri, having tasted victory three times in a row in Bahrain, Jeddah, and Miami, is fast becoming a formidable force. The dominance of McLaren this season is a topic of conversation, as various rival teams seek to close the gap and reignite their competitiveness during this crucial phase of the championship. Notably, both Ferrari and Mercedes have announced upgrades to their cars, introducing new innovations aimed at improving performance on this challenging circuit.
The local fans, known as the Tifosi, are especially eager to see if Ferrari’s upgrades will propel their team back to podium contention. There is added excitement with Italian driver Kimi Antonelli, who recently achieved his first-ever pole position in Miami. Will he prove his mettle in front of the passionate Imola crowd? This question lingers in the air as anticipation builds for the weekend’s racing action.
However, the weather forecast is also a significant factor that could influence the outcome of the races. The conditions are expected to vary from sunny and warm on practice days to potential rain on race day, adding an extra layer of unpredictability. Below is an in-depth look at the anticipated weather conditions throughout the Imola Grand Prix weekend.
**Friday, May 16 – FP1 & FP2**
The first practice session (FP1) of the weekend is scheduled to kick off at 1:30 PM local time (CEST). As the teams gear up, the weather forecast predicts a warm and sunny start to the session with a manageable temperature of around 18 degrees Celsius. However, there may be lingering effects from a morning rain shower, leading to a wet track which could pose challenges for the drivers. Fortunately, rain is not expected during FP1, and a moderate breeze from the east-northeast at about 13 mph should not hinder performance significantly.
As the day continues, FP2 will commence at 5 PM, with conditions remaining largely consistent. The temperature might remain similar, and the light rain concerns will dissipate, allowing drivers ample opportunity to refine their setups for the weekend ahead. The expected reduction in wind speed to a gentle breeze will create ideal conditions for all twenty drivers as they familiarize themselves with the nuances of the circuit.
**Saturday, May 17 – FP3 & Qualifying**
The weather is forecast to continue to be favorable on Saturday, ensuring pleasant racing conditions for the final practice session (FP3), which starts at 12:30 PM (CEST). The temperature will rise slightly to around 20 degrees Celsius, and the light breeze of just 6 mph will offer a comfortable atmosphere for the drivers, particularly the rookies. This session is crucial for newcomers like Franco Colapinto, Kimi Antonelli, Gabriel Bortoleto, Isack Hadjar, and Ollie Bearman, who will gain invaluable experience on this historic circuit.
Qualifying will take place later that day at 4 PM, where the weather is expected to mirror the earlier conditions, with temperatures possibly reaching 21 degrees Celsius. The absence of rain and low wind speeds should provide an excellent opportunity for the drivers to push their machinery to the limits, aiming for the best grid positions for the race.
**Sunday, May 18 – Race Day**
As the grand finale arrives, race day is expected to bring the highest temperatures of the weekend but may also introduce some rain showers. The race, starting at 3 PM (CEST), has a 16 percent chance of rain at the outset, which slightly increases to 18 percent as the race progresses into its second hour. These conditions make the teams’ strategic decisions all the more critical, especially regarding tire choices. The expected peak temperature of 24 degrees Celsius suggests that if rain does occur, the track could dry quickly, presenting a dilemma for teams on whether to switch to intermediate tires or gamble on slicks.
Overall, the Imola Grand Prix weekend promises an exciting blend of racing action and strategic challenges influenced by evolving weather conditions. Fans and teams alike will be keeping a close eye on the skies as they gear up for what promises to be a spectacular event in the heart of Italy. For continuous updates and insights as the weekend unfolds, keep an eye on official sources and the latest reports.
