Stefano Domenicali has reflected on the events of the 2025 Formula 1 season, offering a hint about the possible inclusion of the Imola Grand Prix in the 2026 calendar.
In a long letter to fans, Domenicali thanked everyone at the end of the 2025 season and explained the key objectives for 2026, a year that promises to be pivotal for F1. He even addressed the situation regarding the Imola GP and the likelihood of its return.
“It has been a phenomenal year. For me, it’s particularly amazing that there were three different points when everyone thought the championship was already decided. The first was before the summer break, when it seemed Oscar Piastri would be world champion. Then, in October, it seemed Lando Norris would win. Finally, in mid-November, Max Verstappen was on a mission and appeared destined for victory. Every race was thrilling, and we had so much to share with our fans worldwide,” Domenicali said.
“It was a year of new fans joining the club, existing fans staying engaged, and incredible new projects like F1 The Movie. I want to take this opportunity to thank all stakeholders and everyone following this sport. Everyone is crucial to the growth we are achieving.”
“Congratulations to Lando, Oscar, and Max. In my eyes, they are all winners and made this season extraordinary. I am sure they will continue to entertain us in the coming years, even with the next generation of cars. It was an incredible year for young drivers, who showed the courage and determination required to succeed in Formula 1. One example is Isack Hadjar in Australia: he had an incident on the formation lap, and many doubted he was ready. Today, he is set to join the Red Bull team alongside four-time champion Max Verstappen next season. Formula 1 demands resilient people; no other sport carries the same pressure. If you give your best, you will become a key figure in our sport,” added the former Ferrari Team Principal.
The future of Formula 1 according to Stefano Domenicali
Looking ahead, Stefano Domenicali is clear on the steps to follow. “This is an exciting moment for Formula 1. Growth is strong, and everyone asks, ‘What happens next?’ We will continue to propose unconventional ideas and aim for a scale traditionally unexpected in F1. Naturally, we want to keep the focus on racing. The sport is at our core, which is why new rules will take effect next year. We will see brand-new cars with revised power units running on advanced sustainable fuels. The record books will be rewritten, hierarchies will be uncertain, and ultimately, the track will reveal each team’s position. I am confident that the first race standings won’t match the year-end results, so the development race will be fast and intense.”
“This is my fifth year in this role, and looking back at the evolution we’ve achieved, it’s incredible. We are working hard to make the off-track experience even more spectacular through entertainment, fan zones, sports activities, and music, supporting the main on-track show. This year, Las Vegas demonstrated what is possible. The city was not used to hosting an event like ours, but everyone collaborated, and now all are embracing this opportunity. Three years later, it feels like we’ve been in Las Vegas for 30 years.”
Imola instead of Madrid?
Finally, Stefano Domenicali commented on the 2026 calendar and the chances of Imola returning. “Next year, Madrid will join the family, and we are in discussions with other countries for potential inclusion. Many want to be part of our show. We are working hard to make the calendar more sustainable in terms of race scheduling. I am excited about the future. Thank you for your commitment and for all the warmth and support from our fans. Stay tuned!” concluded Stefano Domenicali.
Stefano Domenicali’s end-of-season address highlights a Formula 1 that is rapidly expanding its global footprint while preparing for a total technical reset in 2026. While he celebrates the unpredictable 2025 title race and the emergence of young talents like Isack Hadjar, his comments on the 2026 calendar suggest a shift in priorities. With the arrival of the Madrid Grand Prix and a push for a more sustainable, logistically efficient schedule, traditional European venues like Imola face increasing pressure to secure their spot in an ever-growing and highly competitive global market.
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