From the moment the first GPs were canceled in 2020, Imola emerged as a host for a replacement race. After several weeks of negotiations between the circuit, the FOM, and Liberty, it was officially confirmed that Formula 1 would race again on the 5.44-kilometer circuit, much to the delight of many fans.

The circuit, located southeast of Bologna, features 17 corners, including a long straight. Officially, the circuit is named Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, but it’s more commonly referred to by the official GP name: Formula 1 Gran Premio Del Made In Italy E Dell'emilia Romagna. Since 2006, modifications have been made, including the modernization of the pit building. The Variante Bassa chicane before the start/finish line was also removed.

The first press conferences in Imola are scheduled for Thursday 15 May, drivers will take on the track for the first time this year on May 16 during FP1 and FP2. Saturday May 17 will feature one final practice session before Grand Prix qualifying, finally, on Sunday May 18 it is time for the race.

The Emilia-Romagna GP can be followed live on GPblog an hour before each session. As with all other Grands Prix, the race will be broadcast live on Sky Sports and F1TV Pro, as well as qualifying and free practice sessions.

Track time

Free Practice 1: Friday, May 16 13:30 - 14:30 

Free Practice 2: Friday, May 16 17:00-18:00

Free Practice 2: Saturday, May 17 12:30-13:30

Qualifying: Saturday, May 17 16:00-17:00

Race: Sunday, May 18 15:00-17:00

CEST

Free Practice 1: Friday, May 16 13:30 - 14:30 

Free Practice 2: Friday, May 16 17:00-18:00

Free Practice 2: Saturday, May 17 12:30-13:30

Qualifying: Saturday, May 17 16:00-17:00

Race: Sunday, May 18 15:00-17:00

The Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix is the seventh race on the 2025 F1 calendar – after the Miami GP and before the Monaco GP. View the full 2025 F1 calendar here.

In 2025, Formula 1 will once again be broadcast in the UK by Sky Sports. All F1 sessions across the weekend will be available on their broadcasting channel, with live commentary by David Croft and ex-F1 driver Martin Brundle. Sky Sports will also provide pre- and post-race coverage of qualifying and the Grand Prix.

Another option to watch Formula 1 live is through F1TV Pro, the official streaming service of Formula 1. F1TV Pro broadcasts all the sessions from the Emilia-Romagna GP live, and viewers have the ability to choose their preferred commentators as well.

The Emilia-Romagna GP was the seventh round of the 2024 F1 championship. Verstappen started from pole, continuing a run of great form early in the season. McLaren’s Lando Norris, however, significantly closed the gap in the closing stages of the race, demonstrating the true pace of the McLaren one more after his maiden win in Miami. Ultimately, the Dutchman pulled through and merely held Norris at bay with a margin of 0.725 seconds at the line. Leclerc completed the podium in third.

Hamilton started racing in Formula 1 just one year after Imola was taken off the calendar in 2006. The Brit first tackled this track in his Mercedes during the 2020 F1 season as Imola was used as a replacement for races that could not go on due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The seven-time world champion managed to win at his first race around the circuit. In 2021, however, he dropped points in the championship starting from pole position in a wet Imola. Hamilton parked his Mercedes in the gravel, only to reverse back onto the racetrack and recover to second. Since the new regulations in 2022, the Brit has not had success at the Emilia-Romagna GP and failed to take a top five finish.