Emilia Romagna Grand Prix
After a thrilling curtain-raiser in the Bahrain Grand Prix, the Formula 1 schedule shifts to Imola where the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix will take place.
Imola has bared witness to the historic battles between Fernando Alonso-Michael Schumacher and Alain Prost-Ayrton Senna, and perhaps we might see a new rivalry blossom in this year’s edition.
Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen clearly went at it in Sakhir. And here at SBOTOP, we are expecting more of the same when these two meet again in what should be an explosive encounter.
The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix isn’t really a staple in the F1 calendar. But after it’s successful run last year, the league committee decided to bring it back.
Mercedes are hoping for a re-run from last season as Lewis Hamilton wrapped up the World Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championship here while Valtteri Bottas and Daniel Ricciardo secured the other podium spots.
Meanwhile, Red Bull have a huge chip on their shoulders as Max Verstappen crashed out last season due to a dramatic tyre failure.
Mercedes are unfazed with Red Bull’s challenge
Despite the challenges presented by Red Bull recently, the Silver Arrows insist that they won’t change their approach whatsoever.
There was significant hype prior to the first race of the year particularly for Red Bull and their RB16B. But in the end, it was Lewis Hamilton who came away with a victory.
Lewis Hamilton had to overcome pole position holder Max Verstappen and the former outpaced the latter via the slightest of margins – beating him in just less than a tenth of a second. His teammate Valtteri Bottas, meanwhile, claimed the third podium berth.
Furthermore, Hamilton and Bottas are brimming in confidence and they both shared their extra motivation going into the second round.
“I don’t feel exactly much pressure, but I feel excitement. We are now the hunters, not the ones to be hunted,” said Bottas recently.
“[Bahrain] was a very difficult weekend for us. We don’t know what to expect going forward into the next races, but it’s going to be fun taking on the challenge one way or another,” added Hamilton.
Mercedes head into the second round with 41 points, which is 13 points adrift Red Bull. While the Silver Arrows clinched the title here last season, Verstappen and co. are expected to give them a run for their money this time around.
Daniel Ricciardo hope for a fruitful return to Imola
Daniel Ricciardo had a promising first salvo with McLaren as he finished seventh in Bahrain – which is far better than the horrendous start he had to Renault few years prior.
With Mercedes and Red Bull looking like the leaders this season, the third spot at the Constructors’ Championship is up for grabs and McLaren are going to do all they can to gain the edge.
The good news is that Ricciardo is comfortable with this track given his third place finish last year. And with a better car in the MCL35M, the Aussie is primed to contend for another podium spot this weekend.
“I’m definitely planning on bringing that experience from last year to help the team this weekend and fight for those points,” said Ricciardo.
One can argue that Ricciardo could’ve gone better than P7 in Bahrain if only his MCL35M didn’t have floor damage after contact with Pierre Gasly. Either way, Ricciardo is optimistic that his new car will fare much better at Imola this weekend.
History
Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton are the only active drivers who previously won at Imola. Alonso won it in 2005 while Hamilton came out on top last year.
German drivers have had the most success at this circuit as they grabbed nine wins all in all. Michael Schumacher is the leader in all-time wins at Imola – winning seven, including a three-peat from 2002 to 2004.
Along with Schumacher, Nelson Piquet, Damon Hill, and Ayrton Senna have all taken consecutive wins at Imola.
What are the odds?
Lewis Hamilton remains the heavy favourite to win as per the latest Emilia Romagna Grand Prix 2021 odds. He is pegged to win at 1.35 while his counterparts are priced at 2.88 when compared to him.
Formula 1 fans should keep a close eye on Max Verstappen since he is expected to mount a significant challenge to Mercedes despite being priced only at 2.03.
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