Imola’s hopes of returning to the Formula 1 calendar remain alive, but the future of the Grand Prix could depend on financial support from the Italian government. Mayor Marco Panieri has confirmed that the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari remains a backup option for the championship, while warning that hosting a race would require tens of millions of dollars in funding, alongside further investment in the circuit.
The situation remains uncertain as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continue to affect Formula 1’s planning for the final rounds of the 2026 season, scheduled in Gulf countries between late November and early December. With Imola still waiting for a possible opportunity, local officials are increasingly focused on the political and economic conditions necessary to bring the championship back to the historic Italian venue.
Imola F1 return remains possible as circuit waits for a decision
At the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, the possibility of hosting Formula 1 again remains open but unresolved. Circuit general manager Pietro Benvenuti has emphasised that the importance of the Grand Prix must be balanced against the long-term sustainability of the facility.
Speaking to Italian newspaper Il Resto del Carlino, Pietro Benvenuti delivered a clear warning: “Formula 1 is a wonderful event, with a major economic impact, but it must not become a drug.”
His remarks underline the need for Imola to avoid depending entirely on whether Formula 1 returns. Although a Grand Prix would generate considerable economic activity for the area, the future of the circuit must also be secured through other events and activities.
Meanwhile, signs of preparation remain visible around the venue. More than 15 lorries carrying hospitality infrastructure have been parked for weeks near the main grandstands, creating an unusual scene as questions persist over whether Imola could be called upon to host another Formula 1 race.
The circuit has already been identified as a possible alternative if changes become necessary to the championship’s closing rounds. As previously reported, Imola has remained available as a backup venue for the final part of the 2026 Formula 1 season, although its return has not been confirmed.
Imola circuit must expand beyond Formula 1
The future of the venue was discussed during a local council committee meeting dedicated to the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari. Representatives from both the governing majority and the opposition examined the circuit’s prospects, including the possibility of bringing Formula 1 back while expanding its activities throughout the year.
For Pietro Benvenuti, making the facility suitable for a wider variety of events has become a central objective, rather than simply an additional ambition.
“Today, we are being asked to provide multifunctionality, a word that has now become overused. At first, it seemed like something being forced upon us, but now it has become a mission. We must always stay on the front foot and make use of every centimetre of the facility,” he explained, as reported by Il Resto del Carlino.
Mayor Marco Panieri reinforced the same message, stressing that Imola’s administration does not spend every day thinking exclusively about Formula 1. Instead, the objective is to develop the circuit into a genuinely multifunctional facility capable of attracting more visitors to the surrounding area throughout the year.
This approach reflects the wider challenge facing Imola as it seeks to combine its Formula 1 ambitions with a sustainable long-term future. Even if the Grand Prix does not return immediately, local officials want the venue to continue developing its role in the region’s sporting and economic activities.
Imola mayor reveals $40–60 million F1 hosting costs
Despite the uncertainty, Marco Panieri confirmed that Imola remains in contention for a Formula 1 Grand Prix and continues to occupy a backup position in the championship’s planning.
“Today, the possibility of having the Grand Prix exists. We are Plan B, and we remain Plan B. We cannot say anything more,” the mayor explained.
However, the financial challenge is substantial. According to Marco Panieri, securing a Formula 1 race would require between $40 million and $60 million in hosting fees, in addition to another $10 million in organisational expenses and further investment in the circuit itself.
These figures illustrate why government support has become such an important part of the discussions. The mayor addressed Fratelli d’Italia directly, the political party currently in opposition in Imola but a principal supporter of the national government, asking whether the executive would be prepared to contribute €20 million, or at least €10 million, towards the project.
The funding question is particularly significant because Imola is not seeking to replace Monza on the Formula 1 calendar. Instead, the city wants to establish a Grand Prix that supports Italian tourism, businesses and the promotion of Made in Italy.
Marco Panieri calls for government backing without replacing Monza
Marco Panieri insisted that Imola has the necessary credentials to host a Formula 1 race, but acknowledged the scale of the financial and organisational challenge involved.
“We have everything required. We need to work on a Grand Prix linked to tourism, Made in Italy and businesses. Not as an alternative to Monza. It is an ambitious and demanding project, we have been working on it for a long time, and we need to see whether we are in a position to make it happen.”
The mayor also stressed the importance of maintaining unity among the different political and institutional stakeholders. With the geopolitical situation adding further uncertainty to Formula 1’s calendar, he believes Imola must remain united and communicate with a single voice if it wants to secure the necessary support.
Marco Panieri highlighted the difference between the investments made at other European circuits and the funding currently available to Imola. According to the mayor, Hungary has invested €200 million in its circuit, while Monza has received €72 million. Imola, by comparison, remains at €10 million.
These figures reinforce the scale of the challenge facing the Italian venue. Securing a Grand Prix would require not only an agreement with Formula 1 but also a substantial financial commitment to ensure the event can be organised and the infrastructure developed.
The uncertainty has already generated debate within the city, including political disagreements surrounding Imola’s efforts to bring Formula 1 back. Nevertheless, the administration continues to pursue the possibility of a return while developing the circuit’s wider activities.
Could Imola return to the Formula 1 calendar?
For now, Imola remains an option rather than a confirmed destination. Its chances of hosting another Grand Prix are closely connected to developments affecting the Formula 1 calendar, particularly the situation surrounding the Middle Eastern races.
Previous discussions have also explored Imola’s possible role as an alternative venue for the 2027 Formula 1 calendar, illustrating the continuing interest in keeping the historic circuit available should the championship require changes to its schedule.
However, the financial questions raised by Marco Panieri will remain relevant regardless of when an opportunity emerges. With substantial hosting fees, organisational expenses and infrastructure investments to consider, any future Formula 1 race at Imola will require the right political and economic conditions.
The Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari therefore faces two parallel challenges: remaining prepared for a possible Formula 1 comeback while ensuring that its long-term future does not depend exclusively on the Grand Prix. For Imola, government backing could prove decisive in turning the ambition of hosting Formula 1 again into reality.
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