Watch Formula 1 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix — Practice 1 Free.

What's at Stake

As the 2026 Formula 1 season moves into its European leg, the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix serves as a critical juncture for development under the sport's new technical regulations. Teams are fighting to establish a baseline at the historic Imola circuit, where the right aerodynamic balance can define the momentum for the busy summer schedule ahead.

Form Guide

The early rounds of the season have showcased a tight battle at the front of the grid, with several teams trading podium finishes as they adapt to the 2026 power units. Momentum is high for the frontrunners who managed the flyaway races effectively, but the introduction of major upgrade packages this weekend could see a significant shift in the competitive order.

Key Players to Watch

• Charles Leclerc — The Ferrari driver faces immense pressure to perform at one of the Scuderia's home tracks while testing vital floor updates.
• Max Verstappen — A master of the technical layout at Imola, he remains the benchmark for extracting maximum performance during initial setup runs.
• Lewis Hamilton — All eyes are on the veteran as he navigates his first European practice session in Ferrari colors, aiming to optimize the car's high-speed stability.

Prediction

Expect a busy and productive session as teams prioritize high-mileage runs to validate their new aerodynamic components. Ferrari is likely to lead the timing charts by the end of the hour, utilizing their local knowledge and aggressive upgrade path to edge out Red Bull in the opening session.