Formula 1 News: Oscar Piastri tops opening Imola Practice

F1 points leader Oscar Piastri turned a lap of 1m16.545s in his #81 McLaren to lead opening practice for the 2025 Emilia Romagna GP at Imola.

–by Mark Cipolloni–

Lando Norris was 2nd fastest in the #4 McLaren, just 0.032s behind Piastri.

Carlos Sainz Jr. was an impressive third fastest for Williams, 0.052s behind Piastri.

George Russell was 4th quick for Mercedes, 0.054s behind Piastri.

Lewis Hamilton rounded out the top-5 for Ferrari, 0.096s behind Piastri.

Max Verstappen was seventh in the Red Bull sled, and the cameras picked up the Dutchman sliding around out there on just five lap old soft tires. His car is snapping and he tapped the wheel in frustration – Verstappen has also been complaining on the radio about his RB21 sled as he dreams of driving a McLaren like Norris and Piastri.

Bortoleto crashed to red flag and end the session. He made a mistake into Turn 18, taking a little too much curb, the rear just stepped out a little and Bortoleto went straight on as a result, through the gravel and head on into the barriers.

Less than a tenth of a second between the top five, which bodes well for a close weekend, but we do not think we have seen everything from Piastri and Norris yet.

2025 Emilia Romagna GP Practice 1 Results