Formula 1, after a week off, stops in Imola for the Emilia-Romagna and Made in Italy GP. Red Bull of course it starts again from Max Verstappen, the true ruler of this season, but watch out to the other top teams, above all Ferrari and Mercedes, who no longer intend to stand by and watch.
Imola stage of changes
Many updates will arrive in the GP to be held at the Enzo and Dino Ferrari racetrack. Called into question are Ferrari, back from a start to the season clearly below expectations, as well as Mercedes, ready to introduce a W-14B. Expected news also for the Aston Martin, although the Stroll stable represents the second force in the league. The Silverstone team wants to restart from the podium of Fernando Alonso conquered in Miami and Imola, with some updates coming to the AMR23. it can be the track to lay the foundations for reaching that coveted "33", which may soon arrive on a certain “Principality”.
Ferrari and Mercedes, many developments ready
Instead it has to come redemption for Ferrari and Mercedes. Let's go in order. The Maranello team, after the good performance in Baku, had yet another false step in Miami. Leclerc did not go beyond seventh position, behind Sainz fifth. One SF-23 still too much unstable which does not allow the two riders to aspire to the positions that count. The fondo tried in Friday's free practice, it seemed he could lend a hand, but obviously that wasn't enough. A very clear signal has arrived on the Florida track: tire management remains a problem. A big problem. When reaching corners at high speed, and Miami was the clearest proof of this, you can't get the expected load.
More updates to come
News will arrive at Imola to remedy this complicated problem. Also based on what was stated by Giuliano Duchessa, Ferrari will bring a new rear suspension to the SF-23. Therefore, an update will be introduced in the front wheel attachment area. The idea is to modify some parts around the bonnet, the connection towards the diffuser and the rear wing to allow the passage of the flows further down. Even more important news will arrive in Spain, with the Maranello technicians who are currently working on the elements for Barcelona.
Mercedes: "Either it goes, or it breaks"
If on the one hand Ferrari will bring many innovations between Imola and Barcelona, at home Mercedes will try to hit the jackpot directly at Imola. The Brackley team, like already admitted a few weeks ago by team principal Toto Wolff, plans to substantially change the body of his currently very disappointing W-14. The expected results did not arrive, even if in some of the first races of the season Hamilton and Russell did a good job, also taking poles and podiums and proved to be even ahead of Ferrari. Despite this, the gap from Red Bull, and also from Aston Martin, seems to be pretty big.
New items coming
In Imola, therefore, it is hoped that a new season can officially begin for Mercedes which will bring a new bodywork, bottom and front suspension. We're talking about components that can naturally change the performance of a team that hopes to see the light at the end of the tunnel after a season and a half of great difficulties.
The moment of truth
Imola calls, the top teams respond. All that remains is to wait a few days before understanding if, in the end, these innovations will bear fruit or will be just a big hole in the water.
