PADDOCK PASS: The drivers prepare for F1’s racing return to Imola
Nineteen of the 20 drivers on the F1 grid have never competed in a Grand Prix at Imola – a figure that’s set to change come the end of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix weekend, as the drivers prepare to take on the classic northern Italian circuit.
Kimi Raikkonen is the only current driver to have raced at Imola before in F1 – and the Finn, who took pole here for McLaren way back in 2005, grabbed headlines early on Friday when it was announced that he would be staying at Alfa Romeo for 2021, along with his current team mate Antonio Giovinazzi.
READ MORE: Relaxed Raikkonen reveals he only signed new Alfa Romeo deal ‘yesterday’
For Raikkonen and Giovinazzi’s reaction to the news, as well as the drivers’ views on this weekend’s experimental two-day format and their excitement at the prospect of racing at this storied venue, check out our Friday edition of Paddock Pass in the video above – or for a podcast version of the episode, head over to Spotify.
Next Up
Related Articles
Why Alonso has re-signed with Aston Martin
UnlockedPALMER: Why George Russell’s Baku win was so impressive
Mercedes reveal special livery for Bahrain GP in Malaysia
Sainz and Albon evaluate Williams’ Baku upgrades
'Less pressure on me than Kimi' – Russell on title fight
Ocon confirms he will leave Haas at end of 2026 season