By necessity Imola returned to the Formula 1 calendar in 2020. The race was so well received by drivers, teams, and fans that the paddock returns to the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari in 2021.
The 2021 edition will officially be known as the ‘Made in Italy and Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix’. The new title is a bit of a mouth full but the Imola circuit is one steeped in history. The circuit, which hosted its non-championship F1 race in 1963, is a high-speed, anti-clockwise circuit much narrower than the modern tracks F1 frequents. What’s more the undulations, blind corners, and high average speed make it a real challenge for drivers.
Though F1 may be Italy-adjacent in San Marino this weekend Ferrari are not talking up their chances for the race. Instead the focus remains on Mercedes and Red Bull for the battle at the front end. In Bahrain Lewis Hamilton delivered a stellar drive to snatch the win from Red Bull and Max Verstappen. But it was clear that Red Bull had arrived at the season-opener with a car capable of challenging for victory from the get-go.
One of the major difficulties for Mercedes in Bahrain was the changing wind condition as it revealed a car highly susceptible to high winds. Conditions should be more stable in Imola but Merc believe that might still trail behind Red Bull this weekend. “I don’t think we’re good enough in the high-speed, and there’s plenty of that in Imola and in Portimao, and that’s one area where they’ve [Red Bull] got an advantage on us at the moment,” said trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin.
Despite their so-called advantage Red Bull are not resting on their laurels. Rumours are abounding that Red Bull are expected to introduce a significant upgrade to the rear suspension. The upgrade is believed to specifically address the rear tyre wear and temperature management. It remains to be seen what Red Bull introduces over the Imola race weekend but it appears that designers and engineered have discovered a manner in which to ‘adjust’ the camber of the rear wheels when cornering. F1 regulations state that rear wheels may not be overtly adjusted. However, Red Bull’s alleged new system relies on the flexibility of certain parts in combination with electronic adjustments to the differential, engine, and brakes which are allowed.
It remains to be seen if this upgrade exists and if it will be introduced this weekend in Imola. But even if it doesn’t eventuate Red Bull has an ace up their sleeve in terms of qualifying pace. Verstappen stunned Mercedes in qualifying for the Bahrain grand prix by four tenths of a second. Given the finite overtaking opportunities in Formula 1 being the lead car is imperative when it comes to controlling pace. But Mercedes’ strategy and Hamilton’s spectacular tyre management undid Red Bull in Bahrain proving that having the quickest car on track isn’t a guaranteed ticket to victory.
