Will rain shake things up at Imola? Emilia Romagna GP weather forecast hints at dramatic twists

The 2025 Formula 1 season heads into Europe this week, with Imola set to host the much-anticipated Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix. After a high-octane Sprint weekend in Miami, fans will see a more traditional race weekend unfold at the historic Italian circuit, featuring three practice sessions, qualifying, and the main event on Sunday. However, while the on-track drama is guaranteed, weather forecasts suggest that Mother Nature might have a few tricks up her sleeve.Friday’s action begins with FP1 at 13:30 local time, followed by FP2 at 17:00. The opening day of the weekend could be affected by showers, with Weather.com predicting a 24% chance of rain. With temperatures around 19°C and humidity hovering at 53%, conditions might test the teams' adaptability. Winds from the ENE at 10 to 15 mph could further impact aero balance and driver confidence in the first two sessions.Moving into Saturday, the outlook seems more promising. Practice 3 kicks off at 12:30 local time, while the all-important Qualifying session begins at 16:00. Temperatures are set to rise to 22°C, and humidity will drop slightly to 49%. The rain threat also decreases significantly, with only a 6% chance of precipitation. This could allow teams to maximize their dry-weather setups without the worry of sudden downpours disrupting the running order.Race day, however, introduces another layer of unpredictability. Scheduled for 15:00 local time on Sunday, the Grand Prix is expected to be the warmest part of the weekend, with temperatures climbing to 25°C. Humidity remains at 50%, and there’s a 20% chance of rain—enough to keep strategists on their toes. Winds shifting to the WSW at 5 to 10 mph may also influence the slipstream effect, especially on Imola's long straights.While the weather remains a talking point, so too does the championship battle. Oscar Piastri’s victory in Miami—his fourth of the season—has given the Australian a 16-point lead over teammate Lando Norris in the drivers' standings. Max Verstappen, currently third, trails the McLaren duo by 32 points, signaling an uncharacteristically slow start to the season for the reigning champion.McLaren’s dominance isn’t limited to individual standings. The Woking outfit has surged ahead in the constructors' championship, establishing a formidable 105-point cushion over Mercedes after just six rounds. Their consistent form is setting the stage for a potential title run, provided they can maintain this momentum through the European leg of the season.Two years ago, torrential rains forced the cancellation of the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix due to severe flooding. Fortunately, such a scenario seems unlikely this time around. Still, the mild rain forecast adds a level of unpredictability—something Imola has never been short of.As the European season kicks off at one of Formula 1’s most revered venues, all eyes will be on whether Imola delivers a classic—rain or shine.Also Read: Kelly Piquet melts hearts with Mother’s Day post celebrating her growing family and journey as a mom