Monza is no stranger to urgency. Over the past decades, various management teams with different approaches have failed to eliminate the circuit’s hallmark characteristic: the race against time.
Whether it’s funding, renovations, exemptions, or contract renewals, last-minute solutions are common at Monza. In 2024, the countdown concerns the first phase of renovation works affecting the circuit and infrastructure, scheduled for completion in time for the Italian Grand Prix on September 1.
“We had a deadline set for July 1,” explained ACI president Angelo Sticchi Damiani at a Confartigianato Motori meeting, “and the inspection with the International Federation delegation went very well. They appreciated the work and made some minor suggestions regarding details. Now the next step is the inspection on August 1.”
The priority for the Italian Grand Prix is ensuring the integrity of the track, which has been completely resurfaced and rebuilt from the ground up, along with the new infrastructure separating pedestrian paths from vehicle traffic.
“This is probably the most important intervention ever,” emphasized Sticchi Damiani. “It was our priority to ensure the safe exit of spectators, which has been subject to orders from the Prefect in recent years. We finally had the opportunity to carry out these works, which were much more complicated than expected. We cut the track in four places, and the particularly rainy winter didn’t help.”
“Spectators will appreciate the new entry and exit routes,” reiterated circuit director Alfredo Scala. “From this year, the public will no longer have to share pathways with cars and work vehicles; they will have a dedicated route.”
Sticchi Damiani outlined the plans for post-Grand Prix renovations, focusing on the main pit building, which will receive a permanent roof instead of the temporary one installed annually by Formula 1 for the race days.
“New anti-seismic regulations have come into effect over the years,” the president explained, “which require significant reinforcement work to support the additional load. A minimally invasive solution has been found to strengthen existing structures without interfering with pit work.”
In parallel with these urgent matters, there is also the pressing need for Monza to renew its contract with Liberty Media to secure the Italian Grand Prix’s future.
“We need to renew the contract with Formula 1 very quickly,” stressed Sticchi Damiani. “The current agreement expires in just over a year, so we are behind schedule. The contract must guarantee that certain works will be completed by 2025 and others by 2026. We are a bit anxious and need to hurry to sign this contract with all possible economic and authorization guarantees.”
Liberty Media has also highlighted increasing space requirements for the Paddock Club at Monza, prompting the request for a permanent roof over the pit terrace. “Another important task,” concluded Sticchi Damiani, “is converting the current press room, nearly 5,000 square meters, into an extension of the Paddock Club. This is crucial for Formula 1 as it would provide a highly profitable space. We will, of course, create a new press room and have identified a suitable area by repurposing the old SIAS offices.”
New grandstands are awaiting authorization and approval. The plan is for each structure to be an independent unit, equipped with air-conditioned hospitality, catering, and sanitary facilities. The goal is to eliminate chemical toilets and offer hospitality that matches the times and the not-so-affordable ticket prices.
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