2025 Imola Grand Prix preview & F1 betting predictions

McLaren lead the market ahead of the Imola Grand Prix. See our race preview and top betting picks for this weekend’s F1 action in Italy.

Sports Betting Tips

by Ky Pitstock

May 15, 2025 0

Formula 1 heads to the iconic Imola circuit for the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix in Italy to kick off the European leg of the championship.

The race begins at 9am EST on Sunday, May 18, with strategy and tire management expected to play a huge role around the high-speed, technical layout at Imola.

McLaren remain the team to beat in 2025, with Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris continuing to set the pace. Piastri holds a 16-point lead atop the Drivers’ Championship and enters the weekend as the outright favorite to win at +125.

Red Bull will be desperate to bounce back after another underwhelming outing in Miami. Despite pole position, Max Verstappen faded in the race and hasn’t been able to convert qualifying speed into wins lately. At -163.93, he doesn’t offer much value to find the podium.

Ferrari, under enormous pressure at home, need to deliver. Tense radio chatter and strategic errors have marred Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton’s season so far. Imola could be a turning point — or another letdown in front of the Tifosi.

Meanwhile, Mercedes continue to fly under the radar with consistent performances. George Russell remains a podium regular, while rookie Kimi Antonelli will return to familiar territory — the first F1 venue he’s raced at previously — and could be in line for a breakout drive on home soil.

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2025 Imola Grand Prix odds

Piastri leads the sportsbooks markets heading into the Imola Grand Prix, reflecting his stellar form and growing dominance in the Drivers’ Championship. Teammate Norris follows closely behind as McLaren continue their impressive run in 2025. Reigning world champion Verstappen rounds out the top three in the odds, with Red Bull looking to bounce back after recent struggles.

Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – +125
Lando Norris (McLaren) – +140
Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – +450
George Russell (Mercedes) – +1200
Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – +2500
Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) – +3300
Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) – +4000
Alex Albon (Williams) – +15000
Carlos Sainz (Williams) – +15000
Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull) – +50000

More odds available at Stake.com

Imola GP 2025 betting predictions

Piastri is a model of consistency in 2025 and thrives on high-downforce, technical circuits. With his edge in qualifying and composure under pressure, he’s well-positioned to win again.

Racing at home and on a track he knows well, Antonelli is building confidence fast. Mercedes have been strong in clean air, and with a good start, the rookie could make his first F1 podium a reality.

Alex Albon has shone in the upgraded Williams this season, and his fifth-place finish in Miami proved he can hold his own with the frontrunners. If he qualifies well again, a top-six result is absolutely in play.