F1 2025 Imola Grand Prix Weather: Latest Forecast f…read more
Formula 1 returns to Europe for the first time in the 2025 season as the paddock heads to the historic Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari, home of the Imola Grand Prix. Officially known as the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, the race has a deep-rooted history in motorsport, once famously recognized as the San Marino Grand Prix—despite being located in Italy, not San Marino.
This season, the title battle is heating up. Oscar Piastri enters Imola with a commanding lead in the championship standings, sitting 16 points ahead of teammate Lando Norris after a remarkable start to the year. The Australian driver has taken consecutive wins in Bahrain, Jeddah, and Miami, solidifying McLaren’s early dominance. However, with the European leg of the season now beginning, the competition is expected to intensify.
Ferrari and Mercedes are both bringing significant upgrades to Imola in hopes of closing the gap. With Ferrari’s home crowd—the Tifosi—watching closely, expectations are high for a strong showing. In particular, all eyes are on Italian rookie Kimi Antonelli, who impressed by securing his first career pole position in Miami. The young driver will be racing in front of his home fans for the first time in Formula 1, adding another layer of excitement to what promises to be a thrilling weekend.
But beyond team strategies and driver form, the weather could play a pivotal role in shaping the outcome of the Imola Grand Prix. Here’s the full forecast for the race weekend, from practice on Friday to the race on Sunday.
Friday, May 16 – Free Practice 1 and 2
The first day of the weekend kicks off with Free Practice 1 at 1:30pm local time (CEST). The weather is forecast to be sunny and dry, with comfortable temperatures around 66°F (19°C). Winds from the northeast will be moderate, averaging about 13 mph, but are not expected to significantly impact car handling or performance. Conditions will remain ideal for the second session (FP2), which starts at 5pm. Temperatures will hold steady, and the wind will ease into a gentle breeze, creating a stable environment for teams to fine-tune setups and assess tyre performance. Rain is not forecast at all, giving drivers the perfect opportunity to log consistent laps.
Saturday, May 17 – FP3 and Qualifying
Saturday’s forecast continues the trend of dry and favorable weather. FP3 begins at 12:30pm, with temperatures rising slightly to 68°F (20°C). Wind speeds are expected to decrease to just 6 mph, making for smooth running across the grid. For many of the rookie drivers—including Franco Colapinto, Gabriel Bortoleto, Isack Hadjar, and Ollie Bearman—these conditions provide a valuable chance to further adapt to the Imola circuit and maximize their learning before qualifying. Qualifying begins at 4pm and will take place under identical conditions, with a minor temperature increase to 70°F (21°C). The lack of wind and absence of rain means the session will run without disruption, allowing drivers to extract the maximum from their cars under optimal conditions.
Sunday, May 18 – Race Day
After two days of near-perfect conditions, Sunday will bring a dramatic shift. Rain showers are forecast throughout the day, potentially reshuffling the order and adding an unpredictable twist to the race. Lights out is scheduled for 3pm local time, and there is a 40% chance of rain during the race, with showers likely to begin around 1pm during the pre-race build-up. These thundery conditions may create a slippery track surface just in time for the main event, and with the F2 and F3 feature races finishing before the weather arrives, no rubber will be laid down or standing water cleared prior to the Grand Prix. That could make the opening laps particularly treacherous.
Temperatures will peak at 73°F (23°C) during the race, and winds are expected to remain light, averaging 6 mph. While the breeze won’t disrupt the cars much, the rain could pose a serious challenge, especially in braking zones and high-speed sections of the track.
In conclusion, while the opening days of the 2025 Imola Grand Prix weekend are forecast to provide consistent and dry conditions, Sunday’s race is shaping up to be a wet and unpredictable affair. With rain potentially affecting strategy, tyre choices, and driver performance, fans can expect a thrilling and possibly chaotic race. As the battle for the championship intensifies, the weather could be the wild card that shakes up the standings in Emilia Romagna.
