With the 2025 Formula 1 season intensifying, the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola on Sunday, May 18, stands as a pivotal event. As the European leg commences, teams and drivers are eager to capitalize on momentum and address challenges. McLaren’s dominance, Ferrari’s internal dynamics, and emerging talents like Andrea Kimi Antonelli set the stage for a compelling race weekend.
2025 Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix Race Preview
McLaren has emerged as a dominant force, with Oscar Piastri leading the Drivers’ Championship at 131 points, closely followed by teammate Lando Norris at 115 points. Piastri’s recent victory in Miami marked his third consecutive win and fourth of the season, showcasing McLaren’s impressive turnaround from previous struggles at the same venue.
Ferrari, despite high expectations, faces internal scrutiny. Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc finished eighth and seventh, respectively in Miami, expressing dissatisfaction with the team’s strategic decisions. Their combined podium tally remains at one through six races, and Ferrari currently sits fourth in the Constructors’ Championship with 94 points, trailing third-place Red Bull by 11.
Mercedes’ George Russell secured a podium finish in Miami, placing third. Despite a health scare post-race, Russell has consistently delivered, now holding fourth in the Drivers’ Championship with 93 points. Rookie teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli continues to impress, finishing sixth in Miami and accumulating 48 points, outperforming all other rookies and even outscoring Hamilton.
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, the reigning champion, finished fourth in Miami after starting from pole. He currently holds third in the standings with 99 points. Here, he will look to defend his title after winning this race each of the last three times it was held.
Betting Insights
Below are the odds for this race according to bet365:
- Oscar Piastri +125
- Lando Norris +137
- Max Verstappen +600
- George Russell +1400
- Charles Leclerc +2200
- Kimi Antonelli +3300
- Lewis Hamilton +3300
Based on those odds, here are our drivers to watch in the betting markets ahead of this race.
- Oscar Piastri: Given his current form and McLaren’s performance, Piastri is a strong contender for victory at Imola.
- Lando Norris: Despite recent scrutiny over mental resilience, Norris remains a top competitor and could capitalize on any opportunities.
- George Russell: Consistent performances make him a valuable pick for podium finishes.
- Andrea Kimi Antonelli: As a rising star, Antonelli presents a promising option for top-six finishes.
Before the start of the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, be sure to check out our bet365 sportsbook review. There, you will find out everything you need to know about betting at bet365 and you can take advantage of our exclusive new player bonus.
Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix Prediction
Oscar Piastri (+125)
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- Piastri has won each of the last three races on the F1 circuit.
- McLaren has been so much better than its competition and we see no reason to bet against them here.
Going into this race, our podium picks are as follows:
- Oscar Piastri (McLaren): With his current momentum and McLaren’s advancements, Piastri is poised to secure another victory.
- George Russell (Mercedes): Russell’s consistency and recent podium finish position him well for a strong performance at Imola.
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull): Despite recent challenges, Verstappen’s experience and skill make him a formidable contender for a podium spot.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli is anticipated to continue his impressive rookie season with a top-six finish, further establishing his presence in the championship race. Ferrari’s internal challenges may hinder their performance, making a podium finish less likely unless significant improvements are made.
As the European leg of the season unfolds, the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix promises to be a defining race, with teams and drivers striving to assert dominance and address ongoing challenges.
