Max Verstappen is concerned about the “complicated” nature of the Imola track ahead of the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix.
Formula 1 returns to Imola this weekend after the 2023 race was canceled due to flooding in the area, with Verstappen winning races 21 and 22 as he seeks to return to winning ways after losing to Lando Norris last time out in Miami.
Imola resembles Miami with medium to low-speed corners and long straights, a combination highlighted by Verstappen.
He said: “Imola is always a special racing circuit and we are excited to return again after its cancellation last year.”
“We've had some great results for the team here and it's always interesting to race on an old school circuit like this, because it's very technical, with some complex combinations of turns and braking zones.
“The team at Milton Keynes and the racetracks have worked very hard and I'm back at the factory this week working on the simulator. It's nice to be back racing in Europe again too.”
Perez weather threat
Verstappen leads his teammate Sergio Perez by 33 points in the standings, as the Mexican has finished second four times in the six races so far, each time behind Verstappen.
Since Formula 1 returned to Imola in 2020, rain has affected races 21 and 22, with Perez believing the variable conditions expected could prove difficult.
“This location can force you into difficult conditions when it comes to weather, which always makes things difficult, and it can limit our time on track during practice and affect qualifying significantly,” he said.
“Hopefully we can have a dry weekend, the forecast is looking promising at the moment for Friday and Saturday, and consistency through those days should put us in a great position for Sunday. I've been at the factory this week, looking at how to make the most of that setup.” And improving performance in Miami.
“It's about making the right decisions over the weekend as a team, as we work together to get back on the podium in Italy.”
