Imola Grand Prix-View: Ferrari Hype, Oakes Scandal, Colapinto Replaces Doohan & Watergate at McLaren

In this week’s episode of The Critical Lap, it's the Imola Grand Prix-View — your all-access preview of the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix — but not before unpacking a huge week of F1 drama and news. First, we break down Franco Colapinto replacing Jack Doohan at Alpine for at least five races and ask: is this a trial run for a permanent seat? Then, the bizarre saga of Oliver Oakes resigning as Alpine Team Principal just days after his brother's arrest in a massive financial crime scandal — and the fact that Oliver was last seen in Dubai. Is this blown out of proportion or is something shady going on?

We also react to the final trailer for the Brad Pitt F1 movie, and discuss the growing intrigue surrounding Cadillac’s push to join the grid in 2026. Then it’s time to preview the Imola Grand Prix, where we ask: is the Ferrari hype train still on track, can Lando Norris hold off a surging Piastri, and what does the tight Imola circuit have in store for the weekend?

Plus, we break down Christian Horner’s “Watergate” claim that McLaren is cooling their tires with water, ask whether AI should assist the stewards, and more quick reactions in this action-packed episode.

⏱️ Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
1:50 - Colapinto takes over for Doohan... on a 5-race trial run rotation
5:07 - Oliver Oakes resigns from Alpine
10:30 - Latest Brad Pitt F1 movie trailer (yes, he’s too old, they know)
12:03 - We need a Netflix documentary on Cadillac’s F1 journey
21:05 - Imola Grand Prix: history and overview
23:50 - Is the Ferrari hype train still on track?
26:20 - Can Norris respond to Piastri’s momentum?
31:00 - Going for the Gap: fitting Imola into your weekend
32:05 - Imola nicknames: is it the sock to Monza’s boot?
33:58 - Quick Reaction: Could AI improve steward impartiality?
37:20 - Quick Reaction: Is something shady going on with Oliver Oakes?
38:55 - Quick Reaction: Watergate at McLaren?
43:04 - Wrap up and enjoy the race!