Efforts continue to maintain two Formula 1 events in Italy, both in terms of contracts and the modernization of facilities. Both Monza and Imola, the two races currently on the calendar, are undergoing improvements to enhance the racetracks. This was one of the conditions set by Stefano Domenicali to continue their presence in the future.
Monza is considered one of the “historic” races due to its long-standing presence in the championship. However, this does not guarantee its future. Formula 1 leadership has expressed the desire to keep tracks like Monza, Silverstone, or Spa-Francorchamps as a cornerstone of the calendar. But this should be accompanied by necessary improvements to meet the standards set by other racetracks.
To this end, both Monza and Imola have initiated a series of improvements to stay up-to-date with the demands of Formula 1. For Monza, these improvements involve building new underpasses and additional routes to facilitate the flow of the audience, resurfacing the track with cutting-edge materials, and refurbishing the curbs. Additionally, there are sufficient resources to partake in the construction of new pit lane covers and, in the future, to build new grandstands that should replace the temporary ones, providing a modern image and offering new services to the public. Angelo Sticchi Damiani, the President of the ACI (Automobile Club d’Italia), is confident that some of these improvements can be completed in time for next year’s race.
In parallel, negotiations with Liberty Media have continued to renew the contract set to expire in 2025. In an exclusive interview with the Italian daily newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, Sticchi Damiani confirmed that there is already an agreement to sign a new contract that secures both Italian events for another five years, until 2030. The idea is to put pen to paper by the end of 2024 to stay ahead of the game and outperform other countries ready to host a Grand Prix.
“We would like to sign a preliminary contract by the end of 2024. For Imola, the situation is clearer because the Emilia-Romagna Region, the Municipality, and Con.ami are committed to completing the modernization of the facility by spring, which includes pit lane covers and the new Paddock Club structure, with a positive return for everyone. In the case of Monza, there is a naturalistic constraint because the circuit is within a green area. So it is necessary to renew the convention with the Parco Consortium, expiring at the end of 2028,” explained the President of ACI in the interview with the newspaper.
“It is important to move ahead of the 2025 deadline, which coincides with the election of the FIA president and the drafting of the new Concord Agreement between the teams and Formula 1. Furthermore, there is a queue of requests internationally to host a Grand Prix, considering that France and Germany do not have one. Therefore, it is advisable to secure our races until 2030.”
On the other hand, it’s clear that the economic burden to host the races will increase. With the current costs, it’s impossible to cover expenses solely from ticket sales. This is why the President of ACI has also appealed to the authorities, emphasizing how these events generate a positive financial impact for local communities. The model is Imola, which has been financing the organization of the race for years. For example, as Sticchi Damiani recounted, Monza is still waiting for the ordinary contribution from the Lombardy Region for the modernization works at the racetrack.
In 2017, Bernie Ecclestone significantly raised the fee for the Italian Grand Prix, increasing it fivefold from the previous amount. Costs will continue to rise in 2026, which is why assistance from institutions is required. “It was inevitable that costs would increase from 2026, especially since Monza currently pays less than any other track in Europe. Today, it is impossible to cover the expenses of an F1 Grand Prix solely from ticket revenue. In fact, governments worldwide are taxed to support them. Everyone must do their part; we cannot overly burden the ACI’s accounts,” added the ACI President.
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