Emilia Romagna GP Weather: What’s the latest forecast for F1 race at Imola?

Unsettled weather could impact the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, with rain and gusty winds forecast for the opening day of F1’s European run

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Formula 1 returns to Imola for the seventh round of the 2025 season, and the unpredictable nature of spring weather could make this year’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix a strategic minefield. With a mix of gusting winds, mild temperatures, and an increased chance of rain across the weekend, teams will need to remain flexible as they begin the European leg of the campaign.

Friday’s conditions present the most uncertainty. The day starts under a yellow wind warning, with gusts predicted to reach up to 35 kph before subsiding by mid-afternoon. Alongside the wind, light rain is likely in the early morning hours, though it is expected to clear by the time FP1 begins at 13:30 local time. Temperatures are forecast to peak at 19°C, and the track could heat up to around 40°C — ideal for testing Pirelli’s newly introduced C6 soft tyre compound.

Saturday is shaping up to be the most stable day of the weekend. Forecasts point to a largely sunny day with a few clouds building later in the afternoon. Rain chances remain low at under 20%, with ambient temperatures around 21–22°C. Track conditions will still be warm, reaching a projected 38°C by qualifying. With winds easing to around 5–15 kph, FP3 and qualifying should run with minimal weather-related disruption.

Oscar Piastri during practice for the 2024 Emilia Romagna GP | McLaren
Oscar Piastri during practice for the 2024 Emilia Romagna GP | McLaren

Race day clouds and light rain remain a possibility

Sunday’s Grand Prix may introduce a twist to an otherwise manageable forecast. While the day begins with sunshine, conditions are expected to turn more overcast as the afternoon progresses. According to the FIA’s official report, there’s a slight chance of a level 2–3 shower between 13:00 and 20:00 — meaning the race, scheduled for 15:00 local time, could be impacted by passing rain.

Weather.com offers varying predictions, with a 20–50% probability of precipitation during race hours. Meanwhile, winds are expected to ease to a gentle 5–10 mph from the southwest. Ambient temperature will be around 22–25°C, with 50% humidity — potentially adding another layer of complexity to race strategy and tyre performance.

After back-to-back flyaway races in Miami and Jeddah, this marks the beginning of F1’s critical European stretch, which includes Monaco and Spain in the weeks ahead. For McLaren, who have dominated five of the first six rounds, the weather may test their tyre management advantage. Red Bull, chasing performance gains, could welcome a mixed-weather race to level the field.

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Max Verstappen leads Lando Norris of McLaren at the start of the 2024 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix | Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool
Max Verstappen leads Lando Norris of McLaren at the start of the 2024 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix | Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool

Emilia Romagna GP 2025 – Full Weather Forecast Breakdown

Formula 1 returns to Imola for the seventh round of the 2025 season, and the unpredictable nature of spring weather could make this year’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix a strategic minefield.

Friday, 16 May – Free Practice 1 & 2

Cloudy and unsettled early, with light rain possible before 8:00am. Skies expected to clear mid-morning, with sunny intervals through the afternoon.

  • Ambient Temperature: FP1 (13:30–14:30) – 19°C, FP2 (17:00–18:00) – 18°C
  • Track Temperature: Up to 40°C at peak
  • Rain Chance: 40% in the early morning, <10% after 10:00am
  • Wind: Strong northeasterly winds, sustained at 20–25 kph with gusts up to 35 kph, easing in the afternoon
  • Humidity: 50–55%

Saturday, 17 May – Free Practice 3 & Qualifying

A much calmer day. Morning starts partly cloudy, with sunshine dominating from late morning through to qualifying. A few cumulus clouds expected late in the afternoon.

  • Ambient Temperature: FP3 (12:30–13:30) – 20°C, Qualifying (16:00–17:00) – 20–21°C, Track Temperature: 38–41°C
  • Rain Chance: <20% (mainly in late afternoon, very isolated risk)
  • Wind: Light, shifting from southwesterly to easterly at 5–15 kph
  • Humidity: Drops to around 48%

Sunday, 18 May – Race Day

Initially sunny, becoming increasingly cloudy by noon. Developing cumulus clouds may lead to isolated showers by mid-afternoon, particularly from the nearby inland hills.

  • Ambient Temperature:Race Start (15:00) – 22–23°C, Max Temp – 25°C
  • Track Temperature: Around 38–40°C
  • Rain Chance: FIA forecast: 20% risk of level 2–3 shower between 13:00–20:00. Weather.com: 20–50% probability depending on time of day
  • Wind: Light southwesterly winds at 5–10 kph
  • Humidity: 50–55%
Lewis Hamilton during 2024 Emilia Romagna GP practice at Imola | Mercedes / LAT Images
Lewis Hamilton and George Russell during 2024 Emilia Romagna GP practice at Imola | Mercedes / LAT Images

Will it rain during the Emilia Romagna GP 2025?

There’s a 20–50% chance of rain on Sunday afternoon, particularly between 13:00 and 20:00 local time.

What’s the weather forecast for Friday at Imola?

Expect gusty winds up to 35 kph early in the day with a high of 19°C and a 40% chance of early morning rain.

Is qualifying day at Imola expected to be dry?

Yes, Saturday is forecast to be mostly sunny with low rain chances under 20% and peak temperatures around 22°C.

What is the forecasted temperature for the 2025 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix?

Race day will see highs of 22–25°C with light winds and a slight risk of afternoon showers.

John Smith
John Smithhttp://total-motorsport.com
Editor at Total-Motorsport.com and all round Motorsport journalist specialising in Formula 1, IndyCar and Formula E.

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