F1 LIVE | Piastri leading FP1 at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix as soft tyres in use around Imola

12:30, 16 May

Updated: 14:07, 16 May

byKada Sarkozi

The European leg of the season is about to get underway in the 2025 Formula 1 season. The grid's first stop will be the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix in Imola, Italy. Follow the first free practice session with GPblog's live blog below!

F1 LIVE | Follow FP1 for the 2025 Miami Grand Prix here

After a weekend where the drivers and team could rest after having to travel to Miami in the United States, the 2025 season continues with a tripleheader. Its first stop is in Imola, where unlike at the previous event, it will not be a Sprint weekend.

Therefore, with many teams also bringing updates to this weekend, teams will have three free practice sessions available to them to set up their cars in an ideal way.

In 2024, Max Verstappen just managed to finish ahead of Lando Norris on the Sunday. The Dutchman struggled with his tyres during his final stint, as the McLaren driver began to cut the gap. Eventually, he crossed the finish line less than a second behind the Red Bull driver.

McLaren are also on good form entering this weekend. Oscar Piastri managed to win his fourth Grand Prix of the season in Miami, after he finished ahead of his teammate. George Russell rounded off the Top 3, but finished more than half a minute behind the Australian two weeks ago.

In terms of the championship standings, the Woking-based team confidently lead the constructors' competition ahead of Mercedes. Their two drivers also currently have the top two spots in the drivers' standings, with Piastri leading ahead of Norris by 16 points. Verstappen of Red Bull is a further 16 points behind the British McLaren driver.

In terms of the weather, a sunny day is expected in Emilia-Romagna, the region Andrea Kimi Antonelli is from.