Oscar Piastri led a dominant McLaren 1-2 in the first practice session at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, held at the historic Imola circuit. The Australian driver, who has won four of the six Grands Prix so far this season, was fastest, narrowly edging out his teammate Lando Norris by just 0.032 seconds. This session showcased McLaren’s strong pace as they look to extend their lead in the drivers’ and constructors’ championships.
The practice was closely contested, with less than a tenth of a second separating the top five cars. Carlos Sainz in the Williams secured third place, followed by Mercedes’ George Russell and Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton rounding out the top five. The tight gaps highlighted the competitive nature of the field as teams seek advantage on the demanding Imola layout.
However, the session was cut short after a crash involving Sauber’s Gabriel Bortoleto at the second Rivazza corner, one of the track’s most challenging bends. Bortoleto lost control due to a sudden oversteer mid-corner, sending his car into the barriers front-first and damaging the front wing and nose. Fortunately, he was unharmed, but the incident ended the session prematurely with just two minutes remaining.
Piastri enters this race weekend with momentum, leading the world championship by 16 points over his teammate Norris. His consistent performances, including four wins, have made him a formidable contender this season. Norris, eager to keep pace, showed strong form alongside him, setting up an exciting battle between the McLaren drivers.
Meanwhile, Red Bull brought upgrades to their car, including a revised side-pod shape and radiator inlet, hoping to improve performance on the technical Imola track. Despite this, reigning champion Max Verstappen expressed frustration over a lack of rear grip, finishing 0.36 seconds off the top pace. His teammate Pierre Gasly placed sixth, showing promise for the team as they continue to develop their package.
The circuit’s classic layout has proven tricky for many drivers. Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc struggled with the challenging chicanes, running wide and occasionally bouncing over kerbs, costing valuable time. Williams’ Alex Albon managed to secure eighth place, ahead of the Saubers of Bortoleto and Nico Hulkenberg.
Aston Martin, which has had a difficult start to the season, fielded a heavily upgraded car in the hands of Lance Stroll, who finished 11th fastest. Stroll’s performance was notable as he edged out teammate Fernando Alonso by three places and 0.089 seconds. Alonso ran the previous spec car during this session to allow the team to conduct back-to-back testing and compare data.
The Imola circuit, known for its high-speed corners and narrow sections, demands precision and bravery. It is a true test for both driver skill and car setup. This weekend’s race will be a crucial chapter in what has been a thrilling Formula 1 season, with McLaren hoping to consolidate their lead and other teams scrambling to close the gap.
Fans can follow the entire Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix weekend live on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra with comprehensive commentary and on the BBC Sport website and app for text updates and insights. Race day is set for Sunday with a 14:00 BST start, promising more drama and excitement on one of Formula 1’s most iconic tracks.
As the season progresses, the battle at the front is intensifying. Piastri’s strong showing in practice highlights McLaren’s pace and potential, but the relentless competition from Red Bull, Ferrari, Mercedes, and others ensures that no one can afford complacency. The Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix is shaping up to be a pivotal race in the championship fight.
Read also: Norris unfazed by Piastri’s lead ahead of Miami grand prix
