F1 | GP SPAIN, THE POINT BY GIAN CARLO MINARDI “VERSTAPPEN NERVOUS. CORRECT NOT TO PENALIZE LECLERC. PIASTRI SUPERLATIVE”

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Barcelona gave us some important surprises. Such as Sauber’s fifth place with Hulkenberg, as well as the confirmation of Racing Bulls again in the points zone with the excellent Hadjar, seventh across the finish line.

Mekies’ men must ponder a bit on the points thrown away at the start of the season. They now find themselves in sixth place, 26 points behind Williams. Personally, Hadjar is one of the best surprises of this 2025. I really like his approach to the race weekend, and also with the team. I am sure that he can do well. The first points of the season for Fernando Alonso, ninth across the finish line. Aston Martin is starting the see Newey’s hand.

Thanks to third and sixth places Ferrari climbed over both Red Bull and Mercedes in one fell swoop, moving up to second place on the constructors’ ladder. They did well, especially Leclerc who sacrificed a position in qualifying, saving a set of the compound. Certainly, a little help also came from the entry of the safety-car.

With the entry of the safety-car in the last 11 laps. following the retirement of Antonelli, the GP livened up and I found the penalty given to Verstappen in the tussle with Russell correct, as I also found correct the decision not to proceed with the one given to Leclerc. Verstappen, a little too nervous this weekend, was the only one to also use the hard tyres.

McLaren confirmed it is unbeatable, and Ferrari, Mercedes and Red Bull can only race for third place, barring some cataclysm. Piastri took his fifth win of the season firmly placing his bid for the world championship. Except for FP1, he “branded” all the sessions, including the fastest lap of the race. He was superlative. The car certainly supports him in the best way possible.

The reliability problems in Mercedes which, in this start of the season have struck both drivers, as well as Alonso’s Aston Martin (that carries the Mercedes engine) are starting to cause concern. Until his retirement Antonelli was having a very good race continuing his apprenticeship by solidly taking the fifth/sixth place. His lap times were in line with Russell, while he still needs to improve at the start.

We are witnessing a fine championship with a major diversification of performance between qualifying, heart stopping, and the race. If, in the fast lap the difference really is minimal – on Saturday in Q1 the 20 cars were enclosed within the space of 8 tenths of a second, and in Q2 barely 6 tenths – in the race the gap increased considerably. In fact, before the entry of the SC, only nine cars were on full laps.

In two weeks, they go overseas to Canada.

Gian Carlo Minardi

F1 | GP MONTE CARLO, THE POINT BY GIAN CARLO MINARDI “IT IS A RACE THAT IS RUN ON SATURDAY”

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Monte Carlo is a race that is run on Saturday with qualifying. You can put all the pit stops you want, but the only variables that can possibly change the result are accidents and safety-cars.

Monte Carlo is a race that enhances the skills of the drivers and, since we are talking about professionals, they were great at not making mistakes, as well as being a stage for sponsors and glamour.

This new regulation did nothing but make interpreting the race difficult and probably someone had even forgotten it. Compared to past editions we had no upheavals. I have the habit of following the GPs by also keeping an eye on the times and gaps, but as a mere spectator it is not easy. I dare not imagine in the grandstands.

However, congratulations must be made to McLaren, especially Norris for the pole position and win, as well as to Leclerc. There is no use complaining because he did very well by taking second place in both qualifying and the race. Hamilton paid the four tenths of a second gap from pole, that is then the gap of the Ferrari. Therefore, he carried out a masterpiece taking it to the front row.

Congratulations also go to the Racing Bulls, for both the race and the strategies that placed the two cars in the points zone, just like Williams and Haas that finished the race with Ocon in seventh place. Important points for all of them. Certainly, the two Mercedes failed, authors of an inexplicable strategy, and Fernando Alonso, forced to retire due to a technical problem.

We say a quick goodbye to Monte Carlo move on to Barcelona where the new TD will be introduced. Involving all the teams, I believe little will change.

Gian Carlo Minardi

F1 | GP IMOLA, THE POINT BY GIAN CARLO MINARDI “242.000 TIMES THANK YOU”

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The Grand Prix concluded three fantastic days at Imola’s Enzo and Dino Ferrari Circuit for both the excellent weather conditions and the 242,000 people who invaded not only the circuit, but also the city of Imola. As Formula Imola we are very satisfied with this excellent result that rewards nine months of intense work. The invasion of the track at the end was an indescribable spectacle.

As far as the race was concerned, I must say that the first bend was worth almost the entire GP with Verstappen’s wonderful overtake of Piastri, as well as the last ten laps with the Red Bull driver setting four fastest laps in five rounds. We saw a few overtakes with a GP played on strategies and on the Safety-car. I am sure that the public enjoyed itself and appreciated the show. It is the source of great pride and satisfaction. Now we will see if we are ready for possible future choices.

At the end we also saw Norris overtake his teammate. I believe that this was mainly an overtaking move dictated by strategies since Piastri was under investigation and risked a 5” penalty. Although this time they could do nothing against Red Bull and Verstappen, McLaren continues to exude peace of mind.

Positive signs also came from Ferrari that, as far as I am concerned, produced its best race of the season. There was a lot of talk about a disaster in qualifying but let us not forget that the gap from pole was just six tenths of a second. Currently six tenths are not a few to make up, but it is the confirmation that it only takes a nothing to be kept out of Q3. It set up a good strategy by differentiating between the two drivers, conveying an internal peace of mind that I was not ready for. A fourth and sixth place that can be read with confidence for the future.

It was also a positive weekend for Williams that took fifth place with Albon, although there was no lack of mistakes from Sainz, who was eighth nevertheless and in the points zone at the end of the race. A more than positive ninth place for Red Bulls with Hadjar. I like this young man more and more and I am sure that he will make people talk about him in the near future.

Tsunoda completes the top 10. Besides the bad accident in qualifying, he completed his “task” despite a significant gap from his teammate. I think I see Red Bull on the rise compared to the start of the season.

At Imola, Franco Colapinto made his return to Formula 1. Returning in the seventh round with a “different” car is never easy, especially with these regulations that do not allow you to train on the track in the correct way. Not even when you are called upon to replace a colleague after the start of the championship. He made a major mistake in qualifying, but in the race, he honourably took the car home. He must be left to work in peace and given time to grow. Experience cannot be bought at the supermarket.

They go back to the track in a week’s time, in Monte Carlo, and then on to Barcelona.

Gian Carlo Minardi

F1 | WAITING FOR IMOLA, GIAN CARLO MINARDI “ALMOST 180,000 TICKETS SOLD. COME AND SUPPORT FERRARI AND KIMI ANTONELLI”

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We are now a week away from the Formula Grand Prix in Imola, the seventh round of the World Championship and the first stop in Europe, scheduled from May 16 to May 18 at Imola’s Enzo and Dino Ferrari Circuit.

We caught up with Gian Carlo Minardi, President of Formula Imola, who is engaged, together with his team, in organizing this extraordinary event. “We are working hard to give all the fans who come to Imola a great show and to make it harder for those who will have to make the final decision on the future of this Grand Prix. Today we are close to crossing the 180,000-ticket mark and we are optimistic about breaking all the attendance records over the three days. It would be an incredible and important result not only for the Circuit, but for all our territory. We want to show everyone that Italy is number one,” Commented Minardi.

In addition to the activities on the track, Imola will offer a schedule of events planned to involve the fans, families, citizens and visitors. “We are completing the FUN ZONE – open from Thursday – where, amongst other things, it will be possible to meet and talk with the protagonists, from the drivers to the Team Principals, without forgetting Imola’s city centre, the beating heart of the weekend together with the Circuit very equipped with amusements, entertainment and tastings”

There will be concerts, DJ sets, shows, talks, museums, artistic installations, driving simulators, activities for children, exhibitions dedicated to the history of Formula 1 and the great champions of the past, photographic exhibitions, historical models on display, together with the possibility of thematic guided tours between engines and culture, with extraordinary openings of the city’s venues, educational workshops, markets, book presentations, with Made in Italy in the centre in all its forms.

“We have designed a show within a show. The enthusiast and fan can go to the Circuit to follow the activities on the track with the Formula 1, Formula 2, Formula 3 and Porsche Supercup races. Those accompanying him can enjoy an equally entertaining weekend regardless of Formula 1. Many special trains are available for this event, thus avoiding the stress of traffic. Imola’s railway station and the main entrance to the Circuit, located in Viale Dante, are just over 1,500m from each other, and along the way you pass through the historic city centre with all its attractions.

The engines will be switched on at 9.55 on Friday morning with the first hour of free practice of F3, F2 (11:05) and F1 (13:30) to be switched off only with the conclusion of the Made in Italy and the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix. “Friday promises to be very interesting. All the teams will bring many new developments onto the track which will be tested in free practice, and it will be very interesting to follow. Furthermore, it is the day that costs the least. We are very satisfied with the presales, and I would like to hear, together with the Ferrari red tide, the support for our driver Kimi Antonelli even if he is racing in the colours of the rival team Mercedes,” concluded a smiling Minardi.

F1 | GP MIAMI, GIAN CARLO MINARDI “AS WE AWAIT MANY OF YOU IN IMOLA WE GO TO FLORIDA”

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Adrian Campos racing in the 1987 USA GP at the wheel of the M187

Formula 1 lands in Florida in the United States before making its annual debut in Europe with the round at Imola’s Enzo and Dino Ferrari Circuit next 7 and 18 May 1.

For the Miami Grand Prix, Pirelli opted for the C3-C4-C5, a softer grade of compound compared to 2024 where the weather could be an extra variable. Despite high temperatures around 29°-30° there is a possibility of rain which could also affect the strategies and pit-stops- Traditionally it is a one stop race. The track built around the stadium is characterized by very smooth asphalt that subjects the tyres to medium-low longitudinal and lateral forces. The thermal wear will be a decisive factor.

The leitmotiv of the weekend will be the internal struggle in McLaren which will try to widen the gap from its direct rivals Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull, but above all the battle between Piastri and Norris. On the one hand the Australian will try to consolidate his leadership, both within the team, as well in the championship, while Norris will be called to respond to the mistakes made in Bahrain. He must demonstrate that he has regained the confidence and coldness necessary to fight for the drivers’ championship.

On the other hand, we have Red Bull that must find peace of mind within the team, despite Max Verstappen always present and in splendid form. Especially in qualifying, on the fast lap, the car is able to express itself fully. Precisely the two qualifying sessions, for the Sprint and GP, will be important because they will be played out on the edge of thousandths of a second.

On the Ferrari front, after Leclerc’s podium two weeks ago, we hope it will make a further step forward by fine tuning the developments introduced at Sakhir. Keep an eye on Mercedes as well, currently the second force in the world championship.

The track built around the Hard Rock Stadium is 5,412 kilometres long to be lapped 57 times in the race. Set up by taking advantage of the parking areas, service roads and even arterial streets, it is distinguished by 19 bends: seven to the right and 12 to the left. Even though located in an area with no high contours, some height differences have been created: the most notable between bends 13 and 16, where the track passes under an underpass on irregular terrain and through a braking lane of Florida’s Turnpike. So, just like Jeddah, there will be three DRS zones in Miami at the end of which are the best opportunities for overtaking on the track.

Gian Carlo Minardi

F1 | GP SAUDI ARABIA, THE POINT BY GIAN CARLO MINARDI “LECLERC-HAMILTON. THE GAP IS TOO HIGH”

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In Saudi Arabia we saw a weekend under the banner of McLaren, but especially under the name Oscar Piastri who forcefully took the number one spot within the team led by Andrea Stella, as well as the lead in the ladder by taking his third win of the season. He is confirming that he is a complete driver.

Always present is Verstappen, the author of an extraordinary pole position after the difficult weekend in Bahrain. However, I do not agree with the penalty. I believe that 5” are too few considering the advantage obtained by his action and also because they came at the start of the race. He had plenty of time to recover, crossing the finish line in second place, little more than 2” from the Australian. A drive-through would have been more consistent.

Leclerc’s grand prix is also to be applauded. Not only did he give Ferrari its first podium of the season in a GP, but he hid and lessened the car’s real problems which were instead very evident with Hamilton who had a pace that did not line up with a seven times world champion. At the present time it is rather inexplicable.

Antonelli’s defence right against Hamilton was excellent. Mercedes is the second force of the world championship with a pair of drivers with very little difference between them. Russell is in splendid form, as he showed with the third place in qualifying and fifth in the race.

It was a negative weekend for Norris. He is racing inconsistently, and his difficulties are obvious. The comeback in the race was certainly positive, also the result of a good strategy, but the mistake in Q3 was very heavy. Despite having the best car on the track, he could not overtake Leclerc. This makes the result achieved by the driver from Monte Carlo even more important. Norris is suffering heavily the “problem” of Piastri who exploits his McLaren to the utmost.

A positive weekend also for Carlos Sainz, who is on the upswing with his Williams, and who once again left his teammate Albon behind him, and for Hadjar, who gave the Racing Bulls the point of the top 10, with Lawson in twelfth place. Making a comparison with last season, the biggest disappointment is coming from Aston Martia, out of the points zone.

In two weeks’ time, they go to Miami, before landing in Europe at Imola’s Enzo and Dino Ferrari circuit on May 16-28-

It was an Easter weekend of Motorsport. If in Jeddah we saw the fifth round of the F1 World Championship, Imola hosted the second round of the WEC World Championship, attracting more than 65,000 fans. I thank them one by one for the warmth with which they welcomed me, especially at the moment of the start of the 6 hours, just as I thank the entire Formula Imola team for their excellent work. Congratulations and thanks also came from the organizer of the WEC. With the arrival of F1 in four weeks time, I hope to be able to see an even warmer and bigger crowd. The fans are our “sponsors”, and the encouragement to continue to improve. We must put those who have to make certain decisions in difficulty.

Gian Carlo Minardi

F1| GP BAHRAIN, THE POINT BY GIAN CARLO MINARDI “PIASTRI A COMPLETE DRIVER. NORRIS IN MENTAL DIFFICULTY.”

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Once again, we saw an extremely competitive race in which strategies and the safety-car were decisive for the result. A Grand Prix that entertained us with a lot of overtaking, which showed once again that just the slightest slip is enough – see some of the imperfections in the pit-stops – to lose positions.

Congratulations to Oscar Piastri, the protagonist of a perfect weekend. He marked his 50th GP with pole-position and the win. He is confirming that he is a complete driver who is maturing. He is the pretender to the title, considering Norris’ mental difficulties.  His teammate was not as predictable with some mistakes in both qualifying and at the start. A mistake that affected his race finishing behind Russell.

The forces in the field are becoming clearer with McLaren increasingly the master of this championship, ahead of a good Mercedes, and a discrete Ferrari. For the first time since the start of the season Antonelli finished the race outside the points zone. His overtaking move on the four-time world champion Max Verstappen was beautiful, but the entry of the safety car messed up Mercedes’ plans, in this way thwarting the excellent work with an imperfect strategy.

They were precisely the ones who may have been the victims of this too intense calendar. In my opinion, 24 races are too many. Teams and drivers are subject to a tight schedule and the risk of mistakes is just around the corner.  Probably, because of the turnover, some procedures did not work properly among Horner’s men.

I found the decision to not proceed in relation to Russell correct. This was a minor mistake dictated by an external management problem connected to the ECU. I do not think he had much of an advantage.

Having said this, in six days’ time they go back onto the track in Jedda, in Saudi Arabia, for the fifth round of the season.

Gian Carlo Minardi

F1 | GP JAPAN, THE POINT BY GIAN CARLO MINARDI “VERSTAPPEN CONTINUES TO IMPRESS. ANTONELLI DROVE LIKE A TOP DRIVER.

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Imola -MINARDI DAY

The Japanese Grand Prix was a very interesting race, perhaps not so much on the overtaking front, but in terms of lap times with the first six finishing within 19 seconds, the top three within little more than 3”.

Verstappen once again made the difference in Red Bull, confirming all his worth, after having given us a preview on Saturday by taking home an extraordinary pole position, ahead of the two McLarens, despite having an inferior car.

Tsunoda, in his first outing with Red Bull, paid for what is the true value of the car. If, during free practice he had managed not to make a bad impression in comparison to his teammate, in qualifying the Dutchman made the difference. Starting so far back it became difficult to catch up. He set good lap times, but he crossed the finish line 58’ behind.

This weekend consecrated the forces in the field in both the constructors’ and the drivers’ fronts. Although Piastri had something more than Norris, I agree with the strategies and the choices made by McLaren which, in any case, with second and third places, consolidated its leadership in the championship. In both qualifying and in the race, the team from Woking “gave” Verstappen a tenth of a second, which cost it the win.

Positive signs came from Mercedes which consolidated second place, thanks to fifth and sixth places with Russell and Antonelli respectively. In particular, Antonelli raced like a top driver on a demanding track like Suzuka which he, just like the other rookies,  did not know, setting not only the fastest lap of the race, which gave him not only the new track record and the youngest driver to set it, but he was the driver who completed the most laps with the “yellows”. After a defensive first part, from the 32nd to the 53rd lap he consistently lapped within a few tenths of a second from his best performance, recovering six/seven tenths of a second on his teammate on each lap. A strategy that decidedly paid off in terms of lap times. The support of an engineer like Bono, who worked alongside Hamilton for the last twelve years, is invaluable. Let us not forget that this is only the third round.

Although improving on a year ago, Ferrari finished in fourth place with Leclerc, 16 seconds from the top, which translates into a gap of almost three tenths of a second. This is not a lot, but it may not be easy to make up.

I was positively impressed by Hadjar, who was excellent in both qualifying – just behind Antonelli-, and also in the race with eight place and important points for the team.

However, there is little time because they go back on the track on Friday with the fourth round in Bahrein, a track that everyone knows very well, including the rookies.

Gian Carlo Minardi

F1 | GP JAPAN, GIAN CARLO MINARDI “FERRARI, IT’S TOO EARLY TO TRY ANYONE. SUZUKA A VERY TECHNICAL TRACK”

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We are fast approaching the third round of the World Championship where the main changes are related to the grid, with Tsunoda joining Red Bull alongside Max Verstappen, and Lawson taking his place in Racing Bulls.

I do not expect big changes in the cars (liveries aside) given the short time available to the teams, which will introduce important updates later, when they arrive in Europe.

Suzuka is a very technical track, and one of the most historic on the calendar, where the drivers will have the chance to express themselves, also because of the tight battle between the teams.  Amongst the rookies, it will be interesting to see who will adapt best to the track’s characteristics, as it will be new to all of them. The rain forecast for Sunday represents an additional unknown factor.

Japan is an important test to verify the forces on the field. We will see if McLaren’s supremacy will be confirmed, and if Ferrari and Mercedes will be able to close the gap. On the Ferrari front, we take note of the results of the first two GPs, but it is still early to try anyone and, above all, to pass sentences.

On the tyre front, Pirelli brings the C1- C2-C3 which represent the hardest compounds to cope with the historically very abrasive asphalt, even though the track has been resurfaced.

Gian Carlo Minardi

F1 | GP CHINA, THE POINT BY GIAN CARLO MINARDI “GROUND CLEARANCE IS A PROBLEM FOR FERRARI”

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The Chinese Grand Prix, the second round of the world championship, confirmed the values in the field with McLaren bringing home the team’s first one-two ahead of an excellent Russell, once again on the podium, Max Verstappen and the pair of Ferraris.

Compared to what we saw a week ago in Melbourne, some positive signs certainly came from Ferrari, but I am convinced that even without the problem with his right front wing, Leclerc would not have been able to fight for the win. A win that, however, came in the sprint with Hamilton, who also took the pole position.

I believe it is precisely in this difference of performance, between the Sprint and the GP, that the real problem lies with the SF-25 which must race very low to be competitive. Qualifying, the Sprint and the race, are fertile ground, dictated by the limited mileage (100km), and less fuel on board. This situation changes drastically in the run up to the GP. To avoid wearing the skid pad, they are forced to raise the car, thus sacrificing performance. This, however, did not allow them to avoid the disqualification of both cars (even if for different reasons between Leclerc and Hamilton) that came when the race was already over, thus cancelling the fifth and sixth places.

Red Bull has quite a different problem, if we can call it that, in the sense that it finds itself once again racing with only one driver, Max Verstappen. However, it is not possible that whoever comes alongside him has such enormous difficulties. It is probably a very difficult car to drive and manage, having been built entirely around the Dutchman who has a particular style of driving, putting his teammates in difficulty. I find it hard to imagine a different explanation, since the same “cousins” let themselves be faster and better performing than Lawson.

Racing Bulls managed to wipe out an excellent job by the team and its drivers with a totally wrong strategy that kept them outside the top 10 despite Ferrari’s double disqualification. They threw away important points, to the advantage of their direct rivals.

Once again, I would like to congratulate the rookies. Particularly Isack Hadjar who redeemed the bad impression in Australia, while I found the Jack Doohan’s penalty excessive. Well done “Kimi” Antonelli, once again in the points with the Mercedes and without making any mistakes, he occupies fifth place in the overall ladder.

Now we move to Japan, to Suzuka, another demanding “old style” track characterized by sandy escape routes.

Gian Carlo Minardi

F1 | GP AUSTRALIA, THE POINT BY GIAN CARLO MINARDI “MCLAREN MINDBLOWING, PUT OFF. WILLIAMS A PLEASANT CONFIRMATION

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Between confirmations and twists and turns, also dictated by particular weather conditions, Formula 1 gave us an exciting first grand prix in Australia.

We rediscovered some results that had already emerged during the Bahrain tests, especially related to McLaren and Williams, and even Ferrari, albeit negatively.

We are looking at a mind-blowing McLaren that demonstrated incredible solidity, despite some mistakes by the two drivers.

Behind them we found an incredible Max Verstappen whose talent most probably hid Red Bull’s difficulties by making himself the protagonist of an amazing race keeping Lando Norris and Oscar busy from the first to the last lap. He tried to chase down the winner right to the end.

Third and fourth place for Mercedes with Russell and Antonelli. I was very pleased that the marshals backtracked on the 5” penalty given to “Kimi”, giving him back fourth place. I had found the decision very questionable. He was the protagonist of an excellent comeback, finishing his first grand prix ahead of Albon’s Williams. He certainly started from a position that did not reflect his true potential, favouring him in overtaking, however, he made only one slip where many made important mistakes, which were paid for heavily with retirement. The rain and the slippery asphalt brought out his natural talent.

The real surprise of the start of the season is probably Williams that confirmed the excellent signs seen in Sakhir. Decidedly underwhelming for the whole weekend was Carlos Sainz, who was also the protagonist of an important mistake in the race that an expert driver such as he should not allow himself.

Even Fernando Alonso was the protagonist of a mistake, ending up against the “wall”, but this time it was Lance Stroll who stepped forward to save Aston Martin’s Sunday by taking it to sixth place ahead of an excellent Nico Hulkenberg in the Sauber.

So, we come to Ferrari. When the weekend entered the thick of things, see free practice 3 and Q3, they got lost. They got everything wrong, including the strategy. The perplexities that emerged during the tests were confirmed in Australia. In fact, compared to last year, they are the team that improved the least in the tests and we saw it today. The season is certainly long because there are still 23 grands prix, but in China and Japan important positive responses must come. We hope that it will be a salvageable job. Let us not forget that this year, with the 2026 regulations just around the corner, the commitment id double.

Gian Carlo Minardi

F1 | WE’RE OFF, FINALLY! EVERYONE IS CHASING NORRIS AND PIASTRI’S MCLAREN BUT KEEP AN EYE ON MERCEDES

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We’re off, finally

What was seen in Bahrein counts for little. Three days really are too few to understand the forces on the field, also because there is a lack of fundamental data to analyse the times coolly.

Of course, the impression is of a McLaren ahead of the pack. For me, they are the car of reference. They picked up from where they left off in 2024… In fact, with a slightly wider advantage.

It will be interesting to see who the anti-McLaren will be. We are at the end of a technical cycle, and it is easier to take a leap forward for those behind, see Williams. This is why I expect an upwards compaction of performances. From what was seen, Mercedes is the car, together with the team led by Andrea Stella, that made the most important evolutionary step, with all the “ifs” and “buts” of the case. For this reason, it must be watched closely starting from Friday’s free practice.

In recent days a lot of people have asked my opinion on Andrea Kimi Antonelli. During these years he has amply demonstrated all his technical worth, and his arrival in Mercedes is the result of this incredible work. He has certainly not been given anything for free. As we know, in this F1the car counts a lot. If he is supported by the car, he has all the credentials to do well right from the start.  However, the whole work environment must support him without putting too much pressure on him. Italy has been waiting for its World Champion since 1953…

Then there is Ferrari with Leclerc and Hamilton. I was positively impressed by Hamilton’s approach and by his positive attitude. He has incredible motivation. On the other hand, I have had the impression of a particularly nervous Leclerc, but then again, who would not know that with a seven times world champion by his side?

There are all the ingredients to experience an exciting first GP, with lots of questions waiting to be answered.  Whichever way it goes, it will take at least three or four rounds to get a clearer picture.

Good Formula 1 to everyone.

Gian Carlo Minardi

AN INTERVIEW WITH GIAN CARLO MINARDI “THE MCLAREN MP4/8 AT IMOLA THRILLED ME”

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At the start of the year, we met with Gian Carlo Minardi to review the highlights of the 2024 F1 World Championship, with an eye to next season. “We can label 2024 as one of the best championships in terms of reliability and competitiveness, with four constructors sharing the wins. We are approaching the end of a cycle, and it is desirable to assume that this season will also give us the same thrills and competitiveness. It was certainly a very long year with 24 grands prix which had its peak especially in the second part of the season with excellent times in qualifying and an open battle up to the last round for the constructors’ title, also characterized by the change of course by Red Bull.

2025 will give us many new elements on the grid with a lot of newcomers who will lower the average age of the grid, despite a 40-year-old (Lewis Hamilton) and a 43-year-old (Fernando Alonso) leading the way. We certainly expect many unknowns with the hope, as a fan, that Ferrari could entertain us even more. We are facing a very important year that will drag us towards a radical change in the regulations.”

2024 gave us a few probably unexpected novelties, including the debuts of Bearman, Colapinto and Lawson.

All young men who came into the world championship, participating in grands prix or in free practice on the Friday, showing that they were ready, demonstrating that the preparation of the training formulas is of a high level. Just in these days came the confirmation of Franco Colapinto’s move from Williams to Alpine as the third driver. Now we have to see if they will be able to astound after having impressed us positively.

Another new development, that we will see in a few weeks, is the collective presentation which will be held in London, shortly before the tests in Bahrein. A new way of putting on a show

… as well as the return to success of McLaren after 26 years…

McLaren made some mistakes that come with the growth of a team. Some mistakes become more obvious when you are fighting to win. These same mistakes made in the lower positions create much less clamour.  The team grows as the car becomes more competitive. I am sure that they will not make the same mistakes this year. It is the fee that must be paid to become successful. This is an almost compulsory passage. We saw this with Red Bull, Mercedes, Ferrari (to mention only a few) before they opened a winning cycle. I must congratulate Andrea Stella who, in a short time, was able to rebuild the structure by bringing it back to success. I seem to see a line that I like a lot: giving faith to young people.

In 2024 you often pointed out that, for you, the best line-up was McLaren’s.

And I confirm this. In 2024 McLaren had the best pair of drivers. Two very fast young men who were able to alternate at the top and encourage each other. They were not free from mistakes, but, as I said before, this is part of the growth path. This year both Lando and Oscar will be in contention for victory. I believe that Piastri has the credentials to soon become a world champion. Management will not be easy, but they already have the experience of last season.

… uneasy management for Ferrari we well.

With Leclerc and Hamilton, it will be difficult for Ferrari regardless, especially if they have, like last year, a car fighting for second and third place. It will not be easy with two contenders of that calibre. The situation will be different in the case of a dominant Ferrari. At that point the track will do the talking.

Formula 1 is passing through a positive time. Everyone wants to host a GP

However, we need to take it easy. At this time Formula 1 is going through a happy and positive moment, but I have gone through a lot of highs and lows in my career. The wind changes direction in an instant. We are faced with a very transient society, with young people who are easily influenced. This also applies to the car makers. Today they are here, but it takes an instant for something to change. It is F1’s past that tells us this.

Precisely concerning the future, the Sprints continue to hold sway. There are those who want to decrease or eliminate them and those who would like to increase them.

A calendar with 24 grands prix and six sprints is already very demanding for the work of the teams, also considering the budget cap. A possible increase in sprint races will not find me in favour, while I would opt to change the point system. Today I do not find it proportionate to the cost of this operation.