Oscar Piastri fastest in practice as McLaren 1-2 in Imola. Carlos Sainz Williams’ performance, Leclerc Ferrari struggles, Bortoleto crash & F1 qualifying predictions.
Introduction
It’s lights out and off we go into another thrilling Formula 1 weekend—this time at the iconic Imola circuit! The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix FP1 session served up plenty of action, drama, and surprises. Oscar Piastri stunned the field with the fastest lap, leading a dominant McLaren 1-2, followed closely by Carlos Sainz, now in a Williams, showing great pace. Add in Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari struggles, Fernando Alonso’s near crash, and a red flag caused by Gabriel Bortoleto, and you’ve got a session filled to the brim with headlines.
But what does this all mean for the rest of the weekend? Let’s dive deep into the highs, lows, and jaw-dropping moments from Friday’s first practice session.
Table of Contents
| Sr# | Headings |
|---|---|
| 1 | Piastri Blazes to the Top: A McLaren Masterclass |
| 2 | Norris Close Behind: A Statement of Intent |
| 3 | Carlos Sainz Shines in Blue: Williams’ Surprise Surge |
| 4 | Red Flags Fly: Gabriel Bortoleto’s Imola Crash |
| 5 | Leclerc’s Rocky Ride: Ferrari Struggles on Home Soil |
| 6 | Alonso’s Close Call: A Near Miss with Leclerc |
| 7 | C6 Tyre Compound Makes Its Debut |
| 8 | Franco Colapinto Steps In: Alpine’s New Recruit |
| 9 | Hamilton’s Handling Woes: Ferrari Under Fire |
| 10 | Max Verstappen’s Off-Pace Outing: Red Bull Frustration Grows |
| 11 | George Russell and Antonelli Impress on Home Ground |
| 12 | F1 Red Flag Incidents: Safety First |
| 13 | Imola Track Conditions: Fast, Dry, and Unforgiving |
| 14 | What FP1 Tells Us About F1 Qualifying Predictions |
| 15 | Final Classification: Who’s Looking Strong for Saturday? |
1. Piastri Blazes to the Top: A McLaren Masterclass
Oscar Piastri fastest in practice — that’s a headline that will certainly boost McLaren morale. The Australian clocked a rapid 1m16.545s, edging out his teammate by just 0.032s. It wasn’t just speed; it was control, composure, and sheer finesse from Piastri as he tamed the technical corners of Imola like a seasoned maestro.
McLaren has been steadily rising this season, but this FP1 performance may just be a sign they’re now ready to dominate. Is this the dawn of a new era for the papaya squad?
2. Norris Close Behind: A Statement of Intent
Lando Norris was barely a whisker behind his teammate, and that 1-2 finish for McLaren has surely sent shockwaves through the paddock. Norris was the early pace-setter in the session, and his consistency showed that McLaren might just have the strongest race pace heading into the weekend.
You know the saying—iron sharpens iron. And this McLaren duo is proving just that.
3. Carlos Sainz Shines in Blue: Williams’ Surprise Surge
Wait, Carlos Sainz in a Williams? Yes, you read that right. Swapping red for blue, Sainz is making waves with Williams, placing third in the FP1 session and proving this team can no longer be dismissed as midfield runners.
Carlos Sainz’s Williams performance has added a layer of unpredictability to the grid. Could Williams be on the brink of a comeback reminiscent of their 90s glory days?
4. Red Flags Fly: Gabriel Bortoleto’s Imola Crash
Just as things were reaching a crescendo, Gabriel Bortoleto brought out the red flags with a crash at Turn 18. His Kick Sauber clipped the kerbs and hit the barriers, ending the session prematurely.
While the Brazilian walked away unscathed, this crash raises questions about the limits drivers are willing to test so early in the weekend. F1 red flag incidents may be rare in practice, but when they do occur, they shake up everyone’s rhythm.
5. Leclerc’s Rocky Ride: Ferrari Struggles on Home Soil
It wasn’t the return to action Charles Leclerc had hoped for. After feeling unwell earlier in the week, he came into FP1 only to face a series of issues — from nearly crashing into Alonso to fighting gravel at Turn 15. His biggest complaint, though? “Helmet lift is horrible.”
Add to that Ferrari’s apparent handling problems, and it’s clear that Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari struggles are very real. Can they bounce back before qualifying?
6. Alonso’s Close Call: A Near Miss with Leclerc
Fernando Alonso has seen it all, but he certainly didn’t expect to “nearly crash” with a Ferrari in FP1. The Aston Martin veteran was left frustrated after Leclerc got in his way on a flying lap, forcing Alonso to take evasive action.
It’s a reminder that, no matter how experienced, timing is everything in Formula 1. And at Imola, every inch counts.
7. C6 Tyre Compound Makes Its Debut
The C6 tyre compound debut was another subplot of FP1. While most drivers stuck to the more familiar soft compounds, a few ventured onto the C5s and C6s to get a feel for next year’s rubber.
First impressions? Tricky, yet potentially transformative. This was a testing ground for 2025, and engineers across the pit lane will be poring over the data.
8. Franco Colapinto Steps In: Alpine’s New Recruit
One of the unexpected headlines was Franco Colapinto’s debut for Alpine. The young Argentine was brought in to replace Jack Doohan for the next five races and managed a respectable showing.
While he finished down the order, Colapinto’s run was clean, composed, and full of promise. Franco Colapinto’s Alpine replacement is a story we’ll be watching closely.
9. Hamilton’s Handling Woes: Ferrari Under Fire
Yes, it’s still surreal—Lewis Hamilton in red. But his Ferrari debut at Imola hasn’t gone smoothly. The seven-time champion complained that the “car does not want to slow down,” struggling with braking and overall balance.
Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari handling issues are the latest hiccup in what’s been a turbulent transition. Is it teething trouble, or something more serious?
10. Max Verstappen’s Off-Pace Outing: Red Bull Frustration Grows
Max Verstappen was far from his usual self. A few moments off-track and an exasperated tone over the radio hinted that Red Bull’s golden boy was not happy.
The Dutchman looked frustrated at Red Bull’s setup, and with the midfield closing in, questions are swirling—is the Red Bull era beginning to wobble?
11. George Russell and Antonelli Impress on Home Ground
George Russell quietly had a strong session, topping the timesheets at the halfway mark and eventually finishing P4. Home hero Kimi Antonelli also impressed in his Mercedes, briefly holding P3.
These two represent F1’s future, and their form in FP1 suggests they’re ready to write the next chapter.
12. F1 Red Flag Incidents: Safety First
Gabriel Bortoleto’s crash wasn’t just dramatic—it was a stark reminder that safety in Formula 1 is non-negotiable. Red flags don’t just stop action; they ensure that drivers, marshals, and cars are protected.
And in a high-speed ballet like F1, that’s everything.
13. Imola Track Conditions: Fast, Dry, and Unforgiving
The Imola track conditions were near-perfect—dry, sunny, and fast. But don’t be fooled. The circuit remains one of the most technically demanding on the calendar.
One wrong move at Turn 14 or a misjudged line at Turn 18, and your session could end in the barriers, as Bortoleto unfortunately discovered.
14. What FP1 Tells Us About F1 Qualifying Predictions
So, who’s looking good for F1 qualifying predictions? McLaren is clearly the team to beat, with both drivers locked in. Carlos Sainz could be a dark horse. Red Bull? A mystery. And Ferrari? Let’s just say they’ve got some work to do.
But hey, it’s F1—anything can happen by Saturday.
15. Final Classification: Who’s Looking Strong for Saturday?
Here’s how FP1 wrapped up:
- Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – 1m16.545s
- Lando Norris (McLaren) – +0.032s
- Carlos Sainz (Williams) – +0.053s
- George Russell (Mercedes) – +0.059s
- Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) – +0.144s
- Pierre Gasly (Alpine)
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
- Alex Albon (Williams)
- Gabriel Bortoleto (Kick Sauber)
- Nico Hulkenberg (Kick Sauber)
Conclusion
The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix FP1 was a rollercoaster—Oscar Piastri fastest in practice, McLaren leading the charge, Sainz shining in Williams, and Ferrari struggling to keep it together. With Bortoleto’s crash, Verstappen’s frustration, and new tyre compounds in play, this weekend is shaping up to be unmissable.
Imola never disappoints, and if FP1 was anything to go by, we’re in for one wild ride.
FAQs
1. Why was Oscar Piastri fastest in FP1 at Imola?
Piastri benefited from McLaren’s strong setup and capitalized on clean air to clock a near-perfect lap on soft tyres.
2. What happened to Gabriel Bortoleto during FP1?
Bortoleto crashed at Turn 18 after running over kerbs, triggering a red flag and ending the session early.
3. Why is Carlos Sainz driving for Williams?
In a surprising move, Sainz has temporarily joined Williams, showcasing impressive pace in FP1.
4. What tyre compounds were used during FP1 at Imola?
While most drivers used softs, the C6 tyre compound made its debut as part of 2025 testing.
5. What issues did Lewis Hamilton face with his Ferrari?
Hamilton reported braking issues, saying the car did not want to slow down, indicating handling troubles with the Ferrari setup.
