‘Why Emilia-Romagna is the Best Grand Prix On the F1 Calendar’

Born and living near Monza, Jasmine says that her love for F1 is a family affair and that her passion for the championship “runs through her veins”.

“I love this sport because it gives me so much adrenaline. I have also been able to meet people from around the world, and many of them are now special friends to me,” she says.

All her relatives have their own favourite teams and drivers but for Jasmine, Mercedes were an easy pick.

Having been a fan of Nico Rosberg since his GP2 days, two decades ago, Jasmine has shown true loyalty to the team since our return in the modern era - through all the highs and lows.

Grandstands With the Best View

Having scoped out the circuit when F1 came to town in 2022, Jasmine knows the best spots for fans to enjoy all the on-track action. With so many iconic corners to choose from, these are her top picks.

“First up is the Acque Minerali curve, which is located by Turns 11, 12 and 13. From here you can see plenty of the track and the forests in a stunning panoramic view,” Jasmine explains.

“From the Rivazza grandstands you also have a wide view of the track,” she adds, with these seats being towards the end of a lap at this iconic circuit.

“Imola is a very unique track. There are houses all around it, and they’re so close to the circuit it gives you the impression of being a street circuit!”

Come Prepared for All Weather Conditions

When Jasmine attended the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in 2022, the heavens opened and she found herself getting rather wet in the grandstands. Although the weather for 2025 looks much more promising with sunshine forecast, it’s best to be prepared – especially as heavy rain and devastating flooding resulted in the race being cancelled in 2023.

“If the weather forecast predicts rain, bring an umbrella, a raincoat and rain boots for sure,” Jasmine emphasises.

“When it rains, it rains a lot. When I went in 2022, it was a pretty tricky weekend. It rained so much and as a result it wasn’t easy to get around. Surfaces become very slippery and muddy!

“I always enjoy F1 live weekends though, whatever the weather might bring!”

“There Will Be Huge Support for Kimi”

This weekend will be a huge weekend for Kimi, as not only is it his first F1 race in Italy but it’s also taking place in the same region he was born and raised in! Fresh from the immense achievement of the Sprint Pole in Miami, love for the 18-year-old has never been higher!

“I think there will be a huge support for Kimi this weekend and I’m really happy about this,” says Jasmine.

“We have missed an Italian driver in F1 for a long time, especially with a very competitive car.

“I’m so proud of Mercedes' decision to choose Kimi instead of another driver who already had experience in F1. Kimi is a pure talent and it’s the right decision to have given him a seat.

“Maybe most don't know, but Kimi is also linked to my favourite driver; Nico Rosberg! In his early stages of karting,Kimi was chosen to race for Rosberg Racing Academy.

“Italians are known for their passion about motorsport and this weekend in Imola I think there will be many people cheering for Kimi. He was also born in Bologna, very close to Imola, which makes this a true home race - he deserves all the support!”

Unmissable Local Cuisine

Being in Italy means three things: passionate fans, great racing and incredible food and drink. Bologna is no exception, with amazing restaurants and cafes to be found for a delicious coffee in the morning and a relaxing glass of wine at night.

“As you are in Italy, it’s very easy to find a very good restaurant where you can taste delicious local dishes like tortellini or lasagna with a good glass of Italian wine.

“The Imola circuit is very close to Imola city centre, so it’s very easy to reach. You can easily reach Imola by public transport as there is a train station, so you can reach it from anywhere.”

History of Imola

Returning to the calendar during the pandemic, Imola has provided us with decades of great racing. We won here in 2020, but this could be the last time we race here in a while as the current contract comes to an end after Sunday’s race.

Imola has given Formula One decades of great racing – and saw the team clinch an unprecedented seventh consecutive Constructors’ championship in 2020 – but for so many is remembered for the tragic weekend in 1994 when we lost Roland Ratzenberger and Ayrton Senna.

“The atmosphere here is soaked by passion for motorsport and history,” Jasmine explains.

“However, Imola is also unfortunately known for that dramatic weekend. The Senna and Ratzenberger memorial it’s a must visit. I’ve been there and that place gives you goosebumps, it immediately brings you back in time, the silence there is an enormous respect for these two legends.

“Imola is the history of F1, and like every historic circuit needs to remain in the calendar. The atmosphere you feel in these circuits is different from the modern ones. Only in these old circuits can you learn the true story of F1, where champions built this sport.”