Circuit atmosphere – start / finish straight. 31.08.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 15, Italian Grand Prix, Monza, Italy, Preparation Day.
Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali says a decision will soon be made on whether Italy can continue hosting two grands prix beyond 2025.
With the Covid-19 pandemic forcing many rounds to be abandoned in 2020, particularly outside of Europe, Monza was accompanied on the F1 calendar by Mugello and Imola.
Following the cancellation of the Chinese Grand Prix during the proceeding two seasons, Imola again held races under the title of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, penning a three-year deal in early 2022 to remain alongside Monza until 2025.
However, Italy might soon revert to only upholding one slot on the F1 calendar amid the increased demand to host an F1 race and the series already being at the maximum threshold of 24 rounds for next year.
Domenicali says determining whether both Monza and Imola can remain simultaneously beyond their current deals is one topic that will be addressed very shortly.
“There is one issue that will be addressed in the short term, and that is to understand the future of Formula 1 in Italy,” he said via Autosport.
“We will have to understand if there are the resources to be able to keep two grands prix on the calendar, or if we will focus on just one.
“I want to thank Imola, because the organisers were ready to take a chance in a difficult moment like COVID, confirming that they lived up to the commitment made.”
Track Atmosphere 31.08.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 15, Italian Grand Prix, Monza, Italy, Preparation Day.
Domenicali has previously expressed that European circuits can’t take their place on the calendar for granted, adding they will not be immune from dropping off entirely.
Monza is set to undergo extensive renovation work ahead of next year’s event, including implementing larger grandstand areas and modernising the overall facilities.
The ex-Ferrari F1 chief explains that the developments are “important” to ensure the iconic Monza circuit retains standards with other venues around the world.
“They have confirmed to me that the necessary renovation work on the facility will begin after the end of the grand prix,” Domencali added.
“It’s an important step because next year it’s necessary to give a signal of improvement.
“The historical value of Monza is beyond question, but we also need to keep up with the times in terms of services, which must be in line with the prices paid by those who come to the race track. Within the next year, we will have clear ideas about the future.”
However, Domenicali also asserts there are further aspects under consideration for any circuit, most notably the entertainment factor for spectators present at grands prix.
The Italian says he was particularly impressed with the show Zandvoort put on for the fans in attendance last month.
“There are countries that have made huge investments, building infrastructure in line with their financial possibilities,” he noted.
“But there are also other aspects that weigh on the evaluation of an event, and I think that in terms of entertainment what we saw last weekend in Zandvoort is a very good example. The way the audience was entertained was incredible.”
Domenicali’s claims could spell bad news for Imola President Gian Carlo Minardi, who expressed hope earlier this year that the circuit would be allotted an extra year to its current contract after this year’s event was cancelled due to severe floods in the area.
Keyword: F1 undecided on Italy hosting two grands prix beyond 2025