Questions and answers about the Imola spectacle

How big is the advantage of the home race for Ferrari?

In terms of mood, it should give the Scuderia a boost. It's been a long time since Ferrari started the race in Italy as the clear favorite. It's been a long time since the competition had to sheepishly admit that the brand from Maranello, just 90 kilometers away, was the benchmark. Almost 100.000 Tifosi are expected, it will be red in Imola, where Ferrari last celebrated a home victory in 2006 thanks to Michael Schumacher. The fans' expectations are huge, but after years of weakness and disappointments, Ferrari drivers are used to pressure. If everything goes according to plan, it could be a weekend of enjoyment for the Scuderia, especially since more than the usual maximum of 26 points per driver awaits.

What is different this time than usual?

One of the three planned sprint races will take place in Imola. The time has come on Saturday. Unlike last year, this time there are points for the first eight drivers (8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1). Otherwise there were only extra points for the trio on the podium (3-2-1). This also means that there will only be one training session on Friday before qualifying starts in the early evening. And here too something has changed, but only for the statistics: Whoever finishes first in the timed elimination is considered the pole sitter and not the one who wins the 100 kilometer sprint and has the best starting position at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix on Sunday drives off.

Max Verstappen wants to attack in the Red Bull. © AFP / WILLIAM WEST

What can Red Bull and Mercedes do against Ferrari?

Both teams primarily have a weight problem with their cars. Slimming down is the order of the day. Problem: The so-called updates for the cars can only be tested to a limited extent in just one free practice session, and the coordination also becomes a race against time. In addition - according to forecasts - there will be changing conditions with rain on Friday and partly cloudy on Saturday and possible thunderstorms on Sunday. But: The Ferrari pursuers around the defending champion Max Verstappen in the Red Bull, who has already been eliminated twice due to defects, and record world champion Lewis Hamilton in the Mercedes have to risk something. Otherwise the Scuderia will continue to run away. After three races, Leclerc is 71 points ahead of Hamilton's new teammate George Russell, the superstar, for his part, is 43 points behind in sixth, Verstappen in seventh, 46.

What's next after Imola?

Stressful! If Formula 1 usually had its European start in Barcelona, it also continued in Europe. For the premiere in Miami, the entourage is making another trip overseas for the race on May 8th in Miami. Two weeks later, the race will take place at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya before the classic in Monaco, Leclerc's hometown.

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Questions and answers about the Imola spectacle

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