Gian Carlo Minardi: “An extraordinary result born of passion, hard work, and excellent organization.”
Imola, May 18, 2025
A joyful track invasion marked the closing act of the 2025 Formula 1 AWS Made in Italy and Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, which saw Max Verstappen (Oracle Red Bull Racing) take the victory ahead of McLaren F1 Team drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. The three drivers, along with the Austrian team, were awarded on the podium by the Minister for Sport and Youth, Andrea Abodi, the President of the Emilia-Romagna Region, Michele De Pascale, the Extraordinary Commissioner of the Automobile Club d’Italia, Tullio Del Sette, and Tanuja Randery, Managing Director EMEA, AWS. A total of 242,000 fans flocked to the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola over the weekend. A record-breaking number.
ANDREA ABODI (Minister for Sport and Youth): “Excellence lies first and foremost in organizational capability, and this is precisely the value we aim to support and promote, so that it can be renewed over time. We are in a phase of reflection, where future prospects are being defined: nothing can be taken for granted, but our commitment—shared with the Emilia-Romagna Region, the Municipality of Imola, and, in particular, with ACI—is aimed at ensuring that this historic circuit continues to play the leading role it deserves. In this context, the increase in attendance recorded compared to last year represents an extremely positive sign, a concrete expression of an effective synergy among all the parties involved.”
TULLIO DEL SETTE (Extraordinary Commissioner of ACI): “The numbers speak clearly: this Grand Prix has been an outstanding success with the public, confirming the intensity of commitment, the quality of ACI’s professionalism, and the importance of teamwork with all parties involved. A sincere thanks also goes to the many passionate fans who flocked to Imola, contributing with their presence and enthusiasm to make this event even more meaningful. On the sporting side, the strong recovery of Ferrari deserves to be highlighted, with Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, who started from the sixth row, managing to climb up to fourth and sixth place, demonstrating determination and competitiveness. It’s a pity for Andrea Kimi Antonelli, forced to retire right in his home race. But I am convinced he will soon have the opportunity to show all his talent again.”
GIOVANNI BATTISTA TOMBOLATO (Deputy Commissioner of ACI): “The presence of 242,000 people represents a significant result and a great source of satisfaction. We are happy to have recorded such a positive response from the public, who wanted to show their support for the Scuderia Ferrari and Andrea Kimi Antonelli. Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc were the protagonists of a brilliant comeback. Unfortunately, right in his home race, Andrea was forced to retire. But that’s sport, which sometimes brings bitter days. He is young and has great abilities: he will know how to put everything behind him. We will continue on this path with determination and enthusiasm.”
MATTEO ZOPPAS (President of the ICE Agency): The Imola Grand Prix is not only a world-class sporting event but also a powerful tool for promoting Made in Italy. Formula 1 represents the pinnacle of research, innovation, and technological development—elements that we then find in production vehicles, symbols of our manufacturing excellence. Imola, the beating heart of the ‘Motor Valley,’ is a beacon of the Italian automotive industry. In a particularly challenging time for the sector, it is essential to intensify our support for companies that need help remaining competitive in international markets, also thanks to the work done in Italy by MIMIT. With 242,000 spectators and millions of viewers worldwide, this event confirms itself as a strategic showcase to highlight the beauty and quality of Italian craftsmanship. ICE, together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Country System, strongly supports this event that enhances our exports and strengthens Italy’s image worldwide. We stand alongside this excellence.”
MICHELE DE PASCALE (President of the Emilia-Romagna Region): ““What we experienced these days in Imola was an extraordinary success, beyond all expectations—an edition that powerfully demonstrated how much this Grand Prix is an integral part of Emilia-Romagna’s identity and our international projection. Imola was able to welcome hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world with enthusiasm and great organizational skills, offering a sporting and human spectacle that warms the hearts. It is here in Emilia-Romagna that the heart of the Motor Valley beats; not by chance, the only two teams based in the European Union are headquartered in our region, a testament to a unique industrial, technological, sporting, and educational ecosystem For this reason, a strong national alliance is needed—a joint commitment from all institutions, starting with the Government—so that Italy’s role in this global championship lives up to its potential. Keeping the GP here in Imola is a strategic goal for the country not only because of the hundreds of thousands of people it attracts but also because it is part of an industrial policy. Emilia-Romagna is ready to do its part, also by investing more resources. If it’s true that sport also has a soul, the soul of Formula 1 lives here, among the passion of the people of Emilia-Romagna, the drivers, the mechanics, and the engineers who bring it to life, as well as the history of this circuit and this land. Together, we continue to write this story.”
MARCO PANIERI (Mayor of Imola):“The recently concluded edition of the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Imola was extraordinary: beyond all expectations in numbers, participation, and enthusiasm. More than 240,000 people at the racetrack and over 100,000 attendees in the historic center during the three evenings of the Imola Fan City Experience. A result that confirms how much this event is loved, appreciated, and unique in the world, for its ability to unite sport, culture, food and wine, and the local area It was a top-level organizational effort, made possible thanks to the collective work of an entire community: institutions, law enforcement, volunteers, associations, economic operators, and public and private partners. We have shown the authentic soul of Imola and the Motor Valley, offering an immersive experience that combined sporting passion with the promotion of Italian excellence. Now, in light of this success, we all — as a system — have a responsibility: to ensure continuity and a future for this Grand Prix. The territory has proven its commitment, the investments are in place and will continue (including in infrastructure), and the resources for 2026 are ready. We cannot waste an economic impact of over 300 million euros and such significant international visibility for Made in Italy. Imola is a tool for the country system, to showcase Italy’s excellence. It’s time to continue together, with determination and unity. I want to make an appeal to all the fans and supporters, both present and not: may they raise their voices and make themselves heard to defend this Grand Prix, so extraordinarily loved and exciting for everyone.”
GIAN CARLO MINARDI (President of Formula Imola): This Grand Prix has been an extraordinary success, with a record attendance of 242,000 over the three days of the event: a figure that excites us and fills us with pride. The sun enhanced the colors of our Autodrome and accompanied us through a true celebration of sport, where the record attendance and the energy of the crowd added further value to the work carried out over these months. As Formula Imola, we are extremely satisfied: this result is the fruit of great teamwork, involving not only our staff but also all the institutions and entities that stood by us. I thank Formula 1, which expressed its appreciation for the organization, ACI, the Municipality of Imola, and Con.Ami for their constant support, as well as the political and institutional forces that believed in this event. A special thanks goes to the Law Enforcement, course marshals, medical and healthcare personnel, and everyone who contributed to achieving this historic milestone for Imola.
Although some inconveniences may have occurred living close to a residential area, I personally saw hundreds of sports fans taking their places from the early hours of the morning: a sign that the passion for this sport goes beyond any difficulty. This Grand Prix represents a winning model, based on synergy between sport, territory, and institutions, which we must continue to nurture. Imola confirms itself as a protagonist and an international point of reference for motorsport.”
