This week, Formula 1 returns to the historic Imola circuit for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, marking the beginning of a critical European triple-header that could significantly influence the championship battle.
Following his fourth victory in the first six races of the season in Miami, Oscar Piastri holds a 16-point lead over his McLaren teammate Lando Norris. Max Verstappen of Red Bull is 32 points behind the Australian, and George Russell of Mercedes trails by 38 points.
McLaren demonstrated overwhelming dominance in the last race, winning by over thirty seconds. If this performance level persists, the Drivers` Championship could quickly narrow down to a two-way fight.
However, several crucial factors and a pending technical crackdown could shake things up in the coming weeks. The Imola race is followed by the Monaco Grand Prix (May 23-25) and the Spanish Grand Prix (May 30-June 1).
Upgrades Galore at Imola
Given the break since the Miami Grand Prix and the logistical ease of transporting new components within Europe, nearly every team is anticipated to introduce upgrades at Imola.
Teams typically prefer not to debut major updates in Monaco due to the track`s unique nature and high crash risk, making Imola a prime target for new parts planned months in advance.
Ferrari introduced a new floor in Bahrain in April, and Verstappen used a revised floor in Miami. Yet, neither of these updates seems to have substantially reduced their performance gap to McLaren.
Christian Horner commented:
There is no major update for Imola. At this point in these regulations, we are focusing on incremental gains. We`ve been dissatisfied with performance at some races this year, but we`ve still managed to extract results from the car. We are the only team apart from McLaren to have won a race this season and have also secured a couple of poles. We are working intensely to improve the car and this situation. It`s a long way to go. This championship is a marathon. I don`t think you can rule out anyone in the top six as a potential contender right now, given how long the season is. And as last year showed, fortunes can shift very rapidly.
Indeed, last year saw a rapid change in form; Red Bull, after dominating early 2023, found McLaren and Ferrari closing the gap significantly from Miami onwards, with those teams even moving ahead in the season`s latter half.
McLaren has been discreet about their development strategies. With their car showing no obvious weaknesses, they are likely to be cautious, avoiding significant changes that could lead them astray, as happened with Red Bull a year ago.
One area McLaren is reportedly focusing on is making adjustments to help Lando Norris feel more comfortable with the car`s handling.
The British driver has admitted to feeling “not as confident” this season compared to the end of last year, although he seemed to find improved pace in Miami, being quicker than Piastri during the final stint.
Last month, Team Principal Andrea Stella stated that McLaren is working to make the car easier to drive, especially for qualifying, which would benefit both drivers.
This is an issue the team can resolve. The team is working to establish a clear, precise engineering basis so that the tests and new components we introduce are precisely what`s required.
Mercedes is also expected to introduce a significant upgrade at Imola, aiming to close the performance gap to McLaren, largely attributed to higher tyre degradation.
Toto Wolff confirmed:
The team at Lauda Drive has been working diligently on this, and we will be bringing several updates over the next few races. F1 is a relative sport, and we know our rivals will also improve. It will be fascinating to see how this translates onto the track.
Ferrari Team Principal Frederic Vasseur confirmed “some small upgrades” for Imola. This race will also mark Lewis Hamilton`s first competitive appearance before the home Tifosi crowd as a Ferrari driver.
The wave of new parts introduced over the coming month will be crucial, as teams will soon shift their full focus to the 2026 cars and the significant rule changes.
After the season`s midpoint, drivers will largely have to race with the car package they have, making the outcome of the current development phase highly significant.
New Monaco Strategy Rules to Revitalise F1`s Jewel in the Crown
F1 then moves directly to Monaco, where a new pit stop rule designed to enhance the excitement of the Grand Prix will be implemented.
Announced in February, the rule mandates a minimum of two pit stops during the 78 laps around the Monte Carlo circuit.
The notorious lack of overtaking at this iconic race has resulted in largely processional events in recent years, primarily due to the circuit`s narrow layout and the larger cars.
In the previous year, the top ten finishers were the same as the top ten starters, with an early red flag nullifying strategic variations.
The new strategy rules could introduce potential for errors on the pit wall. Questions arise: Will teams pit early to gain an advantage under a Safety Car? Will some drivers perform both mandatory stops back-to-back? Will others wait until the final 20 laps? This setup promises both strategic opportunities and potential pitfalls.
Last year`s winner Charles Leclerc commented:
I believe it will definitely help Sunday`s race, particularly regarding strategy. The excitement on Sunday is maybe a bit less than what you will hope. The Saturday is incredible but the Sunday maybe needs a little bit of spice and hopefully this will give it.
With two required stops, drivers might be incentivized to push harder throughout the race rather than managing pace several seconds off the limit, knowing that overtaking is extremely difficult.
Anticipation will build around whether the overcut or undercut strategy proves more effective. More aggressive driving on a street circuit inherently increases the chance of errors.
Reigning world champion Max Verstappen, who first won in Monaco in 2021, noted:
The level of focus required is significantly higher here than at any other track because it`s so narrow. Other street circuits you have time to rest, there`s a bit more space or run-off areas but in Monaco you don`t. A little lock up or mistake, you turn a little bit too early and you`re in the wall. Okay, you`re not driving on the limit all the time in the race but that is sometimes a danger as well because you tend to relax and then make a mistake. You need to keep telling yourself `focus, don`t relax, keep at it`. It`s a very challenging race.
Controversial Flexi-Wing Clampdown in Spain
It wouldn`t be a typical F1 season without a technical debate.
Following last season`s debate about excessive bodywork flexing on some teams` rear wings at high speeds – often dubbed `mini-DRS` – the FIA has announced new load tests for wings, set to be introduced at the Spanish Grand Prix in late May. Flexible aerodynamic components are prohibited in Formula 1 regulations.
While new deflection limits for rear wings were already in place from the season opener in Melbourne, the upcoming tests in Barcelona will specifically target front-wing flexibility.
Video evidence from several races this year has shown front wings on multiple cars visibly flexing on the straights, potentially enhancing straight-line speed. These wings then appear to return to a rigid state for corners, ensuring the car retains maximum downforce when needed.
