F1 News
Formula 1 threatens to leave Monza: Negotiations halted
- Toby McLuskie
Formula 1 hosts Italy twice in '24: first the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at the Imola circuit, followed later in the year by the Italian GP in Monza. It appears far from a certainty that the country will also be allowed to host two Grands Prix in the coming years. The race in Monza is under serious pressure, warns Stefano Domenicali (CEO of Formula 1).
The Italian GP at the Autodromo Nazionale di Monza is on the Formula 1 calendar until the end of 2025. Formula 1 was in negotiations with the circuit's owners about an extension, but these have stalled. Indeed, on the programme La Politica nel Pallone, Domenicali says Monza is lagging behind with the announced renovations and modifications on and around the track.
Domenicali calls on Monza to hurry
"We are negotiating, but we need concrete things to continue the talks. Because if certain things don't happen, then we can't talk. I often hear it from their director Sticchi Damiani and so I know they are well aware of this. But we are already in December and the works that were supposed to start in Monza immediately after the GP have not started yet. They will hopefully start soon," Domenicali said.
The Italian pointed out that while he has a constructive approach towards Monza, he does not want bureaucracy to get in the way of the rebuilds. No doubt the Formula 1 CEO realises that there are plenty of circuits elsewhere in the world eager to take Monza's place.