Looking ahead to Imola's farewell and Colapinto's return (ad-free)
Added 2025-05-14 18:54:54 +0000 UTCWe looked ahead to what is set to be Imola’s final Formula 1 race - for now at least - in the latest edition of The Race F1 Podcast.
Jon Noble and Josh Suttill join Edd Straw in Italy to discuss whether the classic track deserved to stay on the calendar or F1 has outgrown it.
We also look ahead to Franco Colapinto’s return and whether he can make a success of what’s initially only a five-race run in the Alpine, as well as addressing the situation surrounding resigned team principal Oli Oakes.
Expectations for upgrades and what we’ve learned about how the FIA interprets the rules surrounding tyre cooling are also discussed, along with the potential effect of the debut of the C6 tyre compound.
Comments
I have to disagree with the assessment that a track like Imola is not fit for purpose in modern F1. The claim that it doesn't cater to fans, journalists, or corporate interests overlooks the unique value it brings. Sure, the days of fans queuing from 6 a.m. might be fading, but Imola remains a fantastic circuit with an incredible atmosphere—both at the track and in the town itself. Yes, it’s an old-school, gritty track, but those are essential to the character of the F1 calendar. God forbid we end up with yet another generic street circuit or another soulless desert race lacking any real energy or passion. We already have the glitzy corporate events like Monaco, Miami, and Vegas. If people want to spend a fortune on flashy experiences, those options are there. But let’s not lose the raw, authentic circuits like Imola—they’re just as important, if not more so, for the soul of the sport.
Dara Peyton
2025-05-15 11:16:22 +0000 UTCWow, poor Mark got the Ben treatment. "We don't want you to have any part of this." hahahaha
Zach Buchowski
2025-05-15 11:05:39 +0000 UTC
