As the 2025 Formula 1 season roars into Europe, the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola’s Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari on Sunday, May 18, at 3:00 PM CET, is set to electrify fans. This seventh round of the championship, potentially Imola’s last F1 race due to an expiring contract, promises high stakes and fierce battles. As an F1 journalist, I’ve got the inside track on how to catch every lap via F1 streams and Formula 1 streams, with platforms like F1TV, f1livegp, and sportsurge. Here’s your guide to watching live, plus the latest on the championship and Imola’s iconic circuit.
Championship Update: Piastri’s Surge, Ferrari’s Home Pressure
The 2025 season is a thriller, with McLaren’s Oscar Piastri leading the drivers’ standings at 131 points after a commanding win in Miami. His teammate Lando Norris (115 points) and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen (99 points) are hot on his heels. McLaren tops the constructors’ table with 246 points, leaving Mercedes (141) and Red Bull (105) scrambling. Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton, new to the Prancing Horse, sits seventh with 41 points, facing intense scrutiny to deliver at home alongside Charles Leclerc. After Piastri’s Miami masterclass, where he outpaced Verstappen and Norris, Imola could see McLaren tighten their grip or Ferrari ignite the Tifosi with a podium.
Imola: A Historic Challenge
The 4.909km Imola circuit, with its 19 corners and storied past, is a driver’s crucible. Known for Tamburello’s high-speed drama and Rivazza’s technical demands, it rewards precision over power. Verstappen dominated here from 2020 to 2024, but Hamilton’s 2020 lap record (1:15.484) still stands. With 63 laps and limited overtaking, qualifying is critical. Expect upgrades from Red Bull and Ferrari to shake up the grid, making this a must-watch race.
Where to Watch and Stream the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix
For live coverage, US fans can tune into ESPN or stream via ESPN+, Hulu+Live TV, or fuboTV. In the UK, Sky Sports F1 offers broadcasts, with Sky Go and NOW TV for streaming. Italy’s Sky Sport F1 delivers 4K visuals, while TV8 airs delayed free broadcasts. Globally, F1TV Pro ($129.99/year) is the gold standard for Formula 1 streams, providing live feeds, onboard cameras, and replays on iOS, Android, and Roku. Note: F1TV is blocked in the UK due to Sky’s rights.
Cord-cutting f1 fans can explore free F1 streams on f1livegp, sportsurge, or totalsportek, but legality varies, so use a VPN like ExpressVPN for safety and to unlock geo-restricted streams like Austria’s ServusTV or Belgium’s RTBF. A VPN also ensures smooth access to region-locked content.
Race Weekend Schedule
The action starts Friday, May 16, with Practice 1 (1:30 PM CET) and Practice 2 (5:00 PM CET). Saturday brings Practice 3 (12:30 PM CET) and Qualifying (4:00 PM CET), setting the stage for Sunday’s race. For seamless F1 streams, ensure a fast internet connection and consider F1TV Pro for post-race highlights.