Will Imola or Monza disappear from the F1 calendar after 2026? Domenicali responds!

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Domenicali: 'GP Imola or Monza may disappear from F1 calendar after 2026'
15 May at 08:04
Last update 15 May at 08:08
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  • Cas van de Kleut

It is time for the first of the two Italian Grands Prix this weekend, in Imola. Monza also hosts another Formula One race. However, there is a chance that one of these two Grands Prix will disappear from the calendar after 2026, Stefano Domenicali told La Gazetta dello Sport.

The Autodromo Nazionale Monza is the circuit where most Formula 1 Grands Prix have been held. Only in 1980 was there no Formula 1 race at the legendary 'Temple of Speed'. That year, Imola hosted the Italian Grand Prix, after which that race was transformed into the San Marino Grand Prix the following year.

This continued until 2006, after which the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari was absent for 14 years. In 2020, during the coronavirus pandemic, this changed. Since then, the race has officially returned as the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. The last time a race took place at the Imola circuit was two years ago, as last year the race was cancelled due to flooding in the area. 

Will Imola or Monza disappear from the F1 calendar?

Italian Grands Prix are popular with fans, but whether we will still be able to see both Grands Prix after 2026 remains to be seen. Domenicali says: "Italy is central to the F1 calendar, but important issues need to be addressed in terms of what the country is willing to invest and in terms of infrastructure. A rapid change is needed by improving track safety and the range of services available to the public."

The FOM CEO continued: "At the end of August, we will take stock in Monza with the government institutions and the ACI. It is still possible that Italy will still host two races after 2026, but realistically I think it will be difficult."

This article was written in collaboration with Sophia Crothall.