Top News You Missed Heading Into Imola

🌎 Around Formula 1

🧠 Adrian Newey Set to Join Ferrari in 8-Figure Move? - Ferrari has reportedly signed Red Bull's legendary technical officer Adrian Newey to an eight-figure contract, according to sources at Imola. Despite interest from McLaren and Williams, Ferrari secured Newey, who will join Lewis Hamilton at the team in 2025. Newey's move, which includes waiving non-compete clauses, positions Ferrari favorably for the 2026 regulations overhaul. Read

🛞 Inside Pirelli's Tire Evolution in Formula 1 - Pirelli, the sole tire supplier for F1 since 2011, has played a crucial role in the sport's development. At the Miami GP, Pirelli Motorsport Director Mario Isola highlighted the immense effort to ensure sporting equity and safety. Pirelli's innovations, particularly in tire carcass and belt design, have significantly enhanced performance, reducing lap times by up to six seconds since 2016. Isola emphasized the importance of consistent quality, stating that even a minor discrepancy in tire production can impact race outcomes. As F1 progresses, Pirelli's commitment to excellence continues to shape the sport. Read

🛞 Drivers

😳 How Adversity Could Secure Oliver Bearman's Future with Haas in 2025 - He is using his six FP1 appearances with Haas in 2024 to prove his worth for a full-time F1 promotion. Despite his strong debut for Ferrari in Jeddah, Haas team boss Ayao Komatsu emphasized the importance of seeing how Bearman handles challenges, such as car issues or track incidents, to fully assess his readiness. Bearman remains focused on delivering strong performances in both his F2 campaign and F1 practice sessions, knowing that navigating adversity successfully could be key to securing a 2025 seat with Haas. Read

🤨 Perez's Red Bull Future Uncertain as Albon Signs with Williams - Perez's 2025 Red Bull seat remains uncertain as Albon commits to Williams until 2027, removing a key contender for Perez’s position. Despite strong performances, Perez has yet to finalize a new deal and acknowledges the constant pressure to perform in F1, especially at Red Bull. While hopeful for a swift resolution, Perez remains open to other opportunities until his future is secured. Read

🏎 Teams

🏎 Ferrari's Key Aero Upgrades for Imola Revealed - Seven key aerodynamic upgrades for the Emilia Romagna GP include an extended front wing flap, Red Bull-inspired sidepods, halo winglets, a new engine cover, updated rear suspension, a redesigned rear wing, and an improved diffuser. These updates aim to enhance airflow, cooling efficiency, downforce, and overall stability, with Ferrari hoping to match McLaren and close the gap to Red Bull. Engineer Jock Clear highlighted the convergence of designs due to stable regulations and the team's focus on addressing car weaknesses through both aero and setup developments. Read

😊 Hamilton Discusses Mercedes Duo Joining Him at Ferrari in 2025 - He has downplayed the importance of already knowing team members as he prepares to join Ferrari in 2025. The seven-time world champion will reunite with Ferrari's team principal Fred Vasseur, as well as familiar faces Jock Clear, Loic Serra, and Jerome D’Ambrosio from Mercedes. Hamilton, however, emphasized that his transition will not rely heavily on these existing relationships. He expressed excitement about the upgrades Mercedes is introducing and remains optimistic about his current team's resilience and future developments as he finishes the season. Read

💨 Fast Laps

How Verstappen's plans to juggle Imola GP and Nurburgring 24 sim race. Read

Leclerc tops FP1 at Imola with upgraded Ferrari. Read

Verstappen's Miami slip-up spells trouble for rivals. Read

FIA and F1 management forge strategic future plans. Read

F1 eyes 2030 engine concept to bring back the roar. Read

Haas sues ex-team Principal Guenther Steiner for trademark infringement. Read

Verstappen eyes F1 exit before 40 to explore new racing challenges. Read

🇮🇹 Emilia-Romagna GP Preview

5 Storylines Going Into Imola

1. Ferrari and McLaren Ready to Challenge Red Bull - Ferrari and McLaren are bringing major upgrades to Imola, hoping to build on recent successes and challenge Red Bull's dominance.

2. Magnussen Nears Race Ban - He faces intense scrutiny after accumulating 10 penalty points, bringing him close to a race ban.

3. Emotional Return to Imola - F1 returns to Imola, marking two years since the devastating floods and 30 years since the deaths of Senna and Ratzenberger.

4. Andrea Kimi Antonelli's F2 Challenge - Mercedes' young talent, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, aims for his first F2 podium in front of a home crowd amid Super Licence discussions.

5. Aston Martin's Upgrades - They introduce significant updates at Imola, with Fernando Alonso testing the new package in FP1. Read

📊 Standings