Marco Panieri, Mayor of Imola, and Paolo Pilotto, Mayor of Monza, have decided to collaborate in an attempt to save two Formula 1 GPs in Italy, instead of engaging in a potentially divisive rivalry, with the hope of keeping a slot on the calendar until 2026. This initiative is commendable, and Stefano Domenicali is ready to support it. The government may be willing to support a project that goes beyond the interests of two cities and two regions, opening up to a challenge that involves the entire country.
If it were to happen, we could truly call it an Italian miracle. Monza and Imola, instead of waging war on each other, are now working together in the not-so-certain attempt to secure both Italian races on the Formula 1 calendar until 2030, potentially extending their current contracts.
This dream could become a reality if, for once, divisions and local interests are set aside in favor of a collaborative project. This approach should reduce costs and allow both GPs to stay at the Temple of Speed (Monza) and at the Enzo and Dino Ferrari Circuit (Imola) for another seven years. It would provide an opportunity to plan investments in a timely manner to transform these historic Italian circuits into tracks that meet the requirements of modern Formula 1.
When we entered the Monza paddock on Thursday, the atmosphere was one of a nation trying to secure a Grand Prix from 2026 onwards, knowing that Italy could not afford both the Italian Grand Prix and the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix with the revised fee Liberty Media intends to implement: a reported $30 million for each event. The feeling was clear: one GP would survive, and the other would not. Monza would retain the Italian GP, and perhaps Imola would extend its contract until 2026, especially since the flood prevented this year’s race.
However, the situation changed over the weekend, opening up to a more positive perspective. Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, introduced the economic prerequisite but didn’t rule out the possibility of Italy hosting two GPs on the calendar, even though the Circus promoter would require at least 30 races in a season to satisfy their demands.
The competition is strong and financially robust, especially considering that Formula 1 has regained worldwide popularity, making it the most-watched global sports spectacle. Liberty Media might aim for maximum profit, as seen in their openness to having three GPs in the United States (Miami, Austin, and Las Vegas). However, Domenicali is not naive and understands the importance of preserving the DNA of Formula 1 by keeping historic events on the calendar. Hence, there’s a small opening to attempt the miracle and aim for a doubling, not a replacement.
The starting point was that the Mayors of Imola, Marco Panieri, and Monza, Paolo Pilotto, didn’t approach contract negotiations as adversaries but rather with the idea of a unified project. This marks a revolution when compared to the past, which was marked by strong political disputes and divisions. Another common denominator is the Automobile Club Italia (ACI Italy), the organizer of both events starting this year.
“The challenge is to continue a story we are already living,” explains Panieri. “It is evident that the two GPs no longer represent just two cities or two regions; the scope has become that of the entire country. This challenge, therefore, should be embraced by everyone, and we local administrators have already begun strategic collaboration.”
But where are they heading? Because finding a yearly coverage of $30 million for two races will be challenging, especially since neither event can hope to break even with current ticket sales alone. So, could this become an extremely financially risky endeavor?
“Last year,” adds Panieri, “we entrusted JFC with the analysis of the economic impact of a GP, and the studies showed that the Imola GP generates a turnover of $270 million.” To simplify, the expenditure multiplied by more than ten. The idea, therefore, is to work as a team, expanding opportunities to ensure a visibility operation that shouldn’t just be about one territory but the entire country.
That’s why we saw Giorgia Meloni in the paddock on Sunday and Matteo Salvini on the podium. The President of the Council was a guest in the F1 Hospitality, while the Deputy Prime Minister spoke with various parties involved in the two GPs project. At the government level, no official positions have been taken, but it’s clear to everyone that Italy will need a strategy similar to other countries that invest in Formula 1 to gain global visibility.
“The government,” concludes Panieri, “has a great opportunity: to decide whether to support a large team project where a single entity doesn’t win, but the entire country does.”
Matteo Salvini, Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, will receive the delegation to oversee the feasibility of hosting two GPs in Italy. The Deputy Prime Minister is aware of the tremendous opportunities and difficulties that the operation entails. The great opportunity is to promote the country on a platform capable of maximum visibility: having two events on the calendar could boost tourism in Italy and enhance the export of “Made in Italy” products. A tricolor game to be played together, for once without divisions.
We know that both circuits need funding for modernization works. As we also know, the Monza Autodrome could be a fundamental partner in helping to save the Park, which has been hit by two hurricanes that toppled thousands of trees. And Imola, with its GP, can contribute to the recovery of a region still suffering from the flood. Stories intersect, as do opportunities. Will we seize them? We’ll see what will be allocated in the budget law. As is evident, this is not just about saving F1 races; this time there’s much more at stake…
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