The McLaren drivers have distanced themselves even further from their rivals following the latest race in Miami. As Formula 1 gears up for a series of races over three successive weekends, how will the championship shape up? What impact will Alpine’s noteworthy departures have on their performance?
Below, we address these topics and more as we look forward to this weekend’s race.
Significant Changes at Alpine
It’s clear which team has experienced the most disruption since the last round. Alpine’s choice to release Jack Doohan had been anticipated for months, but the exit of team principal Oliver Oakes took many by surprise.
Given the trend of leadership changes, Oakes was the latest in a line of team principals, with Flavio Briatore, now serving as executive consultant, becoming the sixth in five years.
Future of Imola in Question
The Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari made a return to the Formula 1 schedule five years ago as a response to Covid-19 disruptions. While many tracks from that time disappeared quickly, Imola has remained on the calendar longer than most.
Introduction of Extra-Soft Tyre
Pirelli has created a new, extra-soft tyre compound scheduled for introduction in the 2025 season. Originally designed for street circuits, it will debut at this permanent track, which features several medium-speed corners. This marks the third consecutive race where Pirelli has opted for softer tyres compared to last year.
Italy’s Emerging F1 Star
Italian fans have an unmatched passion for their successful Ferrari team. However, could Andrea Kimi Antonelli change that narrative? After his initial performances, he enters his first home race having achieved a sprint race pole and is hoping for a podium finish.
Ferrari’s Struggles Continue
Which driver will the crowd favor more this weekend, Antonelli or Ferrari’s new signing Lewis Hamilton? Despite the high-profile addition, Ferrari has disappointed fans this season with several strategic blunders and an embarrassing double disqualification in Shanghai. Both Charles Leclerc and Hamilton have noted the need for substantial improvements in team performance to salvage their championship hopes.
