F1 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix preview: Previous winners at Imola, fastest lap, track layout and more

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One of the most recognisable tracks in Formula One history, the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari — better known to racing fans as Imola — has delivered action-packed races, dramatic endings and its fair share of tragedy since its inaugural Grand Prix in 1980. 

The home of the San Marino Grand Prix between 1981 and 2006, the fast flowing track was added back onto the F1 calendar in 2020.

Since then, Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen have taken vital race victories, with both going on to claim the World Drivers' Championship in the same seasons. 

From circuit stats to previous results, The Sporting News tells you everything you need to know about the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix and its esteemed history.

MORE: Predictions, odds, betting tips, best bets for 2023 Imola race

Imola circuit facts and layout

  • First Grand Prix hosted: 1980
  • Numbers of laps: 63
  • Circuit length: 4.909km
  • Total race distance: 309.049km
IMOLA-circuit
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MORE: 2023 season calendar, list of circuits, fastest ever lap times and more

Five interesting facts about the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix

  • Now named the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, this event is only the second in F1 history to have had three different official names. 
     
  • Michael Schumacher is the most successful driver in F1 history at this track. The German took seven race victories here, over double the amount of anybody else!
     
  • Despite wining only three times in Imola, legendary Brazilian Ayrton Senna holds the record for most pole positions at this event with 8. 
     
  • The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix takes its name from the region where the track is based. 
     
  • This circuit at Imola is one of the oldest in Formula One after its original stone foundations were laid all the way back in March 1950. 

List of previous winners of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix

Below is a full list of winners at Imola. This circuit held the Italian Grand Prix in 1980, and the San Marino Grand Prix between 1981 to 2006 before it was selected to host the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix from 2020 onwards.

Year Winner Constructor of winner
1980 Nelson Piquet Brabham
1981 Nelson Piquet Brabham
1982 Didier Peroni Ferrari
1983 Patrick Tambay Ferrari
1984 Alain Prost McLaren
1985 Elio de Angelis Lotus
1986 Alain Prost McLaren
1987 Nigel Mansell Williams
1988 Ayrton Senna McLaren
1989 Ayrton Senna McLaren
1990 Riccardo Patrese Williams
1991 Ayrton Senna McLaren
1992 Nigels Mansell Williams
1993 Alain Prost Williams
1994 Michael Schumacher Benetton
1995 Damon Hill Williams
1996 Damon Hill Williams
1997 Heinz-Harald Frentzen Williams
1998 David Coulthard  McLaren
1999 Michael Schumacher Ferrari
2000 Michael Schumacher Ferrari
2001 Ralf Schumacher Williams
2002 Michael Schumacher Ferrari
2003 Michael Schumacher Ferrari
2004 Michael Schumacher Ferrari
2005 Fernando Alonso Renault
2006 Michael Schumacher Ferrari
2020 Lewis Hamilton Mercedes
2021 Max Verstappen Red Bull
2022 Max Verstappen Red Bull

Who holds the record for fastest lap at Imola? 

British driver Lewis Hamilton holds the record for fastest lap recorded at Imola with a 1:15.484 back in 2020.

Lewis Hamilton Mercedes 031523
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During a weekend that became a two-day event for the first time in modern F1 — with just one practice session taking place — Hamilton was originally out-qualified by Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas.

Not to be outdone by his Finnish colleague, Hamilton roared back in the race, posting his record lap time at Imola on his way to claiming another victory that season. The British driver would go on to win the World Drivers' Championship with ease in 2020. 

Author(s)
Nathan Evans Photo

Nathan Evans is a data editor for The Sporting News.