Photo: Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool
Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has suggested that Italy might soon be limited to host only one Grand Prix per season, putting Imola’s place on the calendar in serious doubt.
The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, held at the legendary Imola Circuit, is one of the most historic and beloved races in Formula 1. Known officially as the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari, the track winds through the hills near the town of Imola in northern Italy.
It has a rich racing past and is famous for its fast, technical layout and passionate fans. Since returning to the calendar during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the race has become a regular fixture once again, but its future now looks uncertain.
That is because Italy currently hosts two races: the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola and the Italian Grand Prix at Monza. With Formula 1 expanding to a record 24 races a season and more countries asking to host their own events, there may not be enough space for both. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali recently spoke about the issue and said a decision would have to be made soon.
“Italy has always been and will be an important part of Formula 1,” Domenicali said in an interview with Italian radio station RAI.
“It will be increasingly difficult to have two races in the same country because interest in F1 is growing and it’s a situation we will have to deal with in the coming months. It’s hard for this situation with Imola and Monza to continue together on the calendar for long.”
Imola’s contract ends after the 2025 race, while Monza, the home of the original Italian Grand Prix, has a deal in place until 2031. That makes Imola the more likely race to be dropped. Although the decision will be difficult for Domenicali, who was born in Imola himself, he said he has to think about the bigger picture.
“From a human point of view it will not be easy,” he explained, “but I have to exercise an international role that puts me in front of many requests around the world from emerging countries that can allow F1 to grow.”
Some have suggested that Imola could become part of a rotating calendar, sharing its slot with other tracks every few years. While nothing is confirmed, Domenicali did highlight how important Imola was during a tough time.
“I do not forget that Imola responded at a time of great difficulty, that of Covid,” he said. “When there was a need to find new places, they responded immediately with the enthusiasm and ability of an entire city.”
With Madrid expected to join the F1 calendar in 2026 and strong interest from countries like Thailand and those in Africa, the fight for space on the schedule is only getting tougher.
That means Formula 1 might have to say goodbye to one of its current races, and right now, Imola appears to be most at risk. If this is to be potentially the last race at the iconic Imola Circuit make sure you don't miss out to experience it yourself! Tickets are available below ↓
F1 and MotoGP news
New articles every day
News from around the world
Reports from races
NewsGP s.r.o.
Nové Sady 988/2
602 00, Brno, Czechia
IČO 22343776
European Union
We have established partnerships with circuits, organizers, and official partners. As we do not collaborate directly with the owner of the Formula 1 licensing, it is necessary for us to include the following statement:
This website is unofficial and is not associated in any way with the Formula 1 companies. F1, FORMULA ONE, FORMULA 1, FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP, GRAND PRIX and related marks are trade marks of Formula One Licensing B.V.