5 Amazing Moments at the Formula 1 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix (Imola)
Imola isn’t just a race — it’s a reminder of how Formula 1 can deliver soaring triumphs and unimaginable heartbreak, sometimes within the span of a single weekend. Officially known today as the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, the race is held at the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, a technical and flowing circuit that weaves its way through the hills of northern Italy. It’s a venue that has written chapters in F1 history going back decades — moments of controversy, dominance, emotion, and remembrance. These five moments show why Imola remains one of the most iconic races in the sport.
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1. 1982: Villeneuve vs. Pironi – The Battle That Shattered Trust
"His death has deprived us of a great champion – one that I loved very much"
— Formula 1 (@F1) May 8, 2021
– Enzo Ferrari
Today we remember the incomparable Gilles Villeneuve pic.twitter.com/IhyglijPz3
The 1982 San Marino Grand Prix may have had only 14 cars on the grid (due to a boycott), but it produced one of the most dramatic intra-team battles in F1 history. Ferrari teammates Gilles Villeneuve and Didier Pironi were running 1-2 after the Renaults retired, and Villeneuve believed they were under team orders to hold position. But Pironi defied that assumption, overtaking Villeneuve in the final laps and winning the race. Villeneuve was furious and vowed never to speak to Pironi again. Tragically, Villeneuve died during qualifying two weeks later at Zolder — a rift never mended and a rivalry frozen in time.
2. 1994: The Weekend That Changed Formula 1 Forever
The 1994 San Marino Grand Prix is the darkest chapter in Formula 1 history. The weekend began with a horrific crash for Rubens Barrichello on Friday, followed by the tragic death of Austrian driver Roland Ratzenberger during qualifying on Saturday. On Sunday, the world watched in disbelief as three-time World Champion Ayrton Senna crashed at the high-speed Tamburello corner on Lap 7. He was airlifted from the track but later pronounced dead. Senna’s passing sent shockwaves through the world of motorsport, prompting a complete overhaul of Formula 1 safety regulations. To this day, fans and drivers return to Imola not just to race, but to remember.
3. 2020: Hamilton Wins as Mercedes Seal Record-Breaking Title
After a 14-year absence from the calendar, Imola returned in 2020 as part of F1’s reshuffled COVID-impacted schedule — and it didn’t disappoint. Lewis Hamilton took a commanding win after teammate Valtteri Bottas struggled with damage, but it was the bigger picture that mattered. With the 1-2 finish, Mercedes clinched their seventh consecutive Constructors’ Championship, breaking the record previously held by Ferrari. Hamilton’s 93rd career win also put him in a class of his own, and the return of Imola was welcomed by fans and purists alike.
4. 2022: Red Bull’s Weekend of Perfection
Red Bull bounced back from early-season struggles to deliver a flawless weekend at Imola in 2022. Max Verstappen dominated the Sprint, led every lap of the Grand Prix, took fastest lap, and won the race. Teammate Sergio Pérez brought home second, locking out a Red Bull 1-2. It was a statement drive from the Dutchman and a clear sign that Red Bull was once again a serious title threat. For Verstappen, it was a masterclass in control; for the rest of the field, a warning shot.
5. 2024: Verstappen Holds Off Norris in an Emotional Tribute Weekend
In 2024, Imola hosted a poignant and emotionally charged weekend, marking 30 years since the tragic deaths of Senna and Ratzenberger. Ceremonies were held throughout the weekend, with drivers, teams, and fans paying tribute at Tamburello and Villeneuve corners. On track, the action lived up to the occasion. Max Verstappen, battling through tire degradation and late pressure from Lando Norris, held on to win by just 0.725 seconds. It was Verstappen’s third consecutive win at Imola, but the story of the weekend was one of remembrance — a celebration of lives lost, and the legacy they left behind.
Most Successful Drivers & Constructors at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix
Most Successful Drivers:
- Max Verstappen – 3 wins (2021, 2022, 2024)
- Lewis Hamilton – 1 win (2020)
Most Successful Constructors:
- Red Bull Racing – 3 wins (2021, 2022, 2024)
- Mercedes – 1 win (2020)
Conclusion: Looking Ahead to the 2025 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix
From raw emotion to wheel-to-wheel brilliance, the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix continues to be one of the most storied and captivating races on the Formula 1 calendar. As we look toward the 2025 edition at Imola, the sport will once again return to a place that embodies both its glorious highs and sobering lows. With teams like Red Bull, Ferrari, McLaren, and Mercedes all vying for dominance — and the memory of past legends forever etched into the tarmac — expect Imola to deliver yet another unforgettable chapter in Formula 1 history.
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