Aditya ChaudhuriAfter Lando Norris’ maiden Grand Prix win at an eventful 2024 Miami Grand Prix, racing will resume after a gap of two weeks, with Formula One returning to Imola.
This will be the first race at the venue since 2022 after last year’s race was cancelled due to floods in the region.
Here’s a quick look at our predictions for the 2024 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.
Normal service resumes
Lando Norris’ win in Miami was the first non-Red Bull, Ferrari, or Mercedes win since 2021, which also highlights the dominance the top three teams have had in the last couple of years, especially Red Bull.
While Norris drove a stellar race to hold off Max Verstappen, he was also helped by the Dutchman’s error, which saw him cut the chicane and hit a cone, needing him to stop an extra time. It was revealed post race that the reigning World Champion was also driving a damaged car.
One of Verstappen’s biggest strengths is the lack of driver errors, and it is very unusual that the Dutchman makes mistakes of his own. Moving to Imola, a more “orthodox” circuit, expect Verstappen to be back on the top step of the podium and get back to winning ways.
Pole Prediction: Max Verstappen / Charles Leclerc
Win Prediction: Red Bull
McLaren to continue upward trend
Apart from Red Bull, who have once again been in a league of their own this season, only McLaren have looked like they can consistently take the fight to Verstappen and Co given Ferrari’s inconsistencies.
McLaren have netted three podium finishes in the opening six races, including a race win, and are third in the Constructors’ Championship, well clear of Mercedes. While Ferrari have shown strong race pace, they continue to struggle with finding consistency with strategy and on race days, which has allowed McLaren to creep up on them.
Imola has been a strong circuit for the Woking-based team, and Lando Norris has two podiums there, which should bode well for the British team. McLaren’s recent upward movement will only help them solidify themselves as proper contenders in the upcoming seasons, and one can bet on both Norris and Oscar Piastri to have a strong race in Imola once again.
Look out for Alonso
Aside from Verstappen, if there has been one driver who has been performing consistently at a high level, it is Fernando Alonso. Returning to Formula One at the age of 40, the veteran Spaniard has shown no signs of slowing down, has been outperforming his teammate every season with ease, and has been one of the better drivers on the grid since his comeback.
Alonso embodies the statement that “class is permanent”. The Aston Martin racer has been once again pulling his team across the line almost single-handedly. He shines brightest on Sundays, showcasing strong race pace.
At a more traditional circuit, Alonso should go well again to bag his team a good haul of points at the 2024 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.
Race details
Circuit: Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari
Venue: Imola, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
Practice Session 1 time: 17:00, May 17
Practice Session 2 time: 20:30, May 17
Practice Session 3 time: 16:00, May 18
Qualifying time: 19:30, May 18
Main race time: 18:30, May 19
Where to watch: F1 TV Pro / FanCode
