‘It’s one of the race weekends where I smile driving around.’ Top three reflect on their learnings from the Imola weekend

Written by Jasmin Low

The Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, familiar to many as the Imola circuit, is steeped in a rich history and beloved by drivers and fans alike. The conclusion of the 2025 Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix weekend was bittersweet, as the circuit’s place on the calendar from 2026 onwards hangs in the balance. 

Formula 2 went racing for what could be the final time in Imola | Credit: Formula 2

Both Formula 2 and Formula 3 joined in on the action over the weekend, a favourite amongst junior drivers for its old-school feel and demanding nature, capturing a joy found nowhere else in the world.

Imola is notoriously challenging, featuring sets of technical chicanes surrounded by unforgiving run-off areas. A single mistake can be detrimental to any driver’s race, which was the case for many drivers across the categories which took to the track this time around. 

The top three finishers from Sunday’s Formula 2 Feature race competed in a hard-fought battle to the end, fighting for position despite the circuit’s limited overtaking opportunities.

Race winner Alex Dunne identified Imola as a turning point for his season in Formula 3, and this year took full advantage of his previous experience at the track to win from fifth on the grid, crossing the line over six seconds ahead of the rest of the field. The McLaren-backed junior shared what this weekend’s success means to him;

“Imola is definitely one of my favourite tracks, you know, I think in terms of general pace, Imola was the track where we kind of turned it around last year, and that’s where my F3 had a decent start, and of course, after qualifying, we were a bit unlucky but we don’t talk about that. But no, I really enjoy Imola. I won here in F4 and now to win here in F2 as well is pretty special.” 

McLaren Development Driver Alex Dunne was on the pace all weekend | Credit: Formula 2

Dunne’s skillful and measured approach to the weekend played in his favour, as the 19-year-old showed a mastery of the circuit which is hard to come across, taking advantage of the learning experience a race weekend like Imola presents. 

"I think it’s quite a difficult track, it requires a few different techniques to [other circuits]. You need to have a good flow, and be very confident and comfortable in the car that’s underneath you, and the balance you have needs to be a certain way.

"I think the team have done a good job in putting it in that window this weekend, so, it’s a really really enjoyable track and when you hook up a lap at Imola, it feels awesome to be honest.” Dunne noted, paying homage to his team, Rodin Motorsport, who played a critical part in moving Irishman up into the midst of the leading pack during the pit stop cycle. 

The loss of the Imola circuit from the calendar will be felt deeply by drivers, considering the immense history that has played out on the tarmac:  

“It’s difficult because I think we might not be coming here next year, but we’ll see. I love this place. It’s a bit weird doing the track walk. When you walk around knowing the history it has, it’s a bit eerie, you go through turn three and it’s difficult to forget,” reflected second-placed Luke Browning, alluding to the tragic deaths of Roland Ratzenberger and Ayrton Senna during the 1994 edition of the event. 

“But this place, It’s Formula 1. It’s what gives that raw adrenaline when you’re on a qualifying lap. In the race, it’s bumpy and it’s undulating, and it feels great,” commented the Briton, singing high praises for the unique, high-octane experience driving at Imola offers. 

“It’s one of the race weekends where I smile driving around, and we’re getting less and less tracks like that now, maybe with a little bit less history, so it’s really nice for these sort of rounds to remain.” 

Imola resides in the lush heart of the Italian countryside | Credit: Formula 1

A sense of nostalgia seems to run deep for Sunday’s top three, as pole-sitter and third-place finisher Dino Beganovic recounted his earlier successes at the circuit:

“I really love this track. [I have] great memories from when I was in F4 and Formula Regional, winning my first single-seater race here and first pole position.” Said the Ferrari Academy Driver, feeling the love from the Tifosi who flocked to the Italian countryside for the weekend. 

“I always love coming back here. Like Luke [Browning] said, qualifying is something spectacular at this track, and I also can’t believe what it’s like driving an F1 car around here. It must feel incredible. I was speaking with Gabi [Bortoleto] yesterday, and he was saying it’s something else driving an F1 car on this track.” Shared the Swede, who made his debut in Formula 1 machinery at the Bahrain Grand Prix, piloting Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari for the first practice session. 

“It gives that extra little bit of a smile on your face, adrenaline, and it would really be a shame to not come back here. I think most drivers really enjoy this track, the history, and obviously the technical part of this track. It’s a driver’s track, you need flow and like Alex [Dunne] said, to be comfortable with the car.”

Imola is the track which connects drivers of the future with the sport’s enduring historical legacy, making their own mark on the history books on their way to the pinnacle of motorsport.

The excitement this fan-favourite track brings is tangible and cherished by drivers, teams, and spectators all around the world. Although Formula 1 and its support series seem to be bidding farewell to the circuit, it will be sorely missed, and immortalised as a hallmark learning experience for generations of drivers.