Angelo Sticchi Damiani speaks realistically about the future of Monza and Imola in Formula 1: the contracts for the two Italian tracks expire in 2025, and at the moment, it’s very difficult for both to continue beyond this date.
Monza and Imola, coexistence remains difficult
It’s the beginning of August 2024, but Angelo Sticchi Damiani’s mind is projected into the future. There are several dates that the ACI president has marked in red on the calendar, with the Grand Prix (September 1) being the first. This date remains crucial for the future of the GP, as it is an opportunity to show Formula 1 president Stefano Domenicali how Monza has been working and is continuing to work to improve on all levels.
However, renewing beyond 2025 will not just depend on resurfacing the track—including the curbs—and Sticchi Damiani knows this. Interventions are needed on the facility’s structures (at least the first six grandstands will be completed by next year’s GP, and all others by 2026), and above all, higher standards must be ensured concerning the fan experience. Monza’s battle is primarily fought on this front, and the ACI president’s intention is to meet Formula 1’s requests by gradually equipping the grandstands with food services, air conditioning, and in some cases, skyboxes.
Sticchi Damiani’s comments
Remaining in the present, one must play with the cards in hand and not with those that will be drawn later. In other words: in the current situation, it is very difficult for Italy to continue having two Grand Prix beyond the crucial date of 2025, when Monza and Imola’s contracts expire. Sticchi Damiani seems even less optimistic than in recent statements and realistically says: “There are ongoing negotiations about Imola to recover the 2023 GP in 2026, but as always, it does not only depend on us or Formula 1, but also on other external factors. If we manage to achieve this, it would already be a great result. Two GPs in Italy are a dream that has come true, and we hope it continues. But it still remains a dream…” he said at a press conference.
As of today, it seems evident that if a Monza-Imola showdown occurs, Monza is ahead. When asked about the possibility of a renewal announcement before the GP, Sticchi Damiani responds: “If it were up to me, yes. However, I am the one who ultimately signs the contract and commits ACI for five or ten years, but there are a series of factors behind that pen that do not depend on me. I gather the government’s commitment, and the Minister has been very clear: I trust the Minister (Matteo Salvini has promised 30 million to Monza as an adjustment to the government’s aid to Monza for facility improvements in response to inflation, ed.), and I am convinced it will be met, but authorization is also needed to carry out the new works. Making Monza better is in everyone’s interest.” – the President of the Automobile Club of Italy concluded.
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