F1 appears to be like to the long run after a unprecedented 2024 season that featured seven GP winners throughout 24 races on the calendar. The Concorde Settlement expires on the finish of this 12 months, and past the enlargement of groups with Normal Motors becoming a member of in 2026, one main matter underneath dialogue is the calendar, because the requests from organizers wanting to affix far exceed the accessible slots.
The renewal of Spa-Francorchamps for 4 Belgian GPs to be held over six years (skipping the 2028 and 2030 editions) brings to the forefront a long-standing, under-the-radar concern: the alternation of sure occasions, which might permit the inclusion of extra circuits within the F1 World Championship.
Italy is in a novel place because it at the moment has the privilege of internet hosting two GPs (Monza and Imola), a luxurious solely america surpasses with three. In an attention-grabbing unique interview with the weekly Autosprint, Stefano Domenicali outlines a transparent image: “The contract with Monza has been renewed with vital commitments relating to infrastructure modernization. What was executed at Monza final 12 months was only a crucial first step. The concept being lucky sufficient to be thought of a historic venue means you’ll be able to stay outdated is incorrect. Historic worth is simply significant if projected into the long run.”
“The Monza facility should modernize. And I need to say that ACI president Angelo Sticchi Damiani has personally taken on these commitments, and with out his dedication, it could have been tough to finalize sure agreements. Clearly, there was vital governmental and regional financial assist. Now we have to perceive the scenario with Imola.”
The F1 president and CEO has a really clear imaginative and prescient of the long run. He acknowledges Imola’s contribution to the calendar through the peak of the Covid pandemic:
“Imola desires to proceed and carry ahead a venture. The Enzo and Dino Ferrari circuit is necessary and will match into the rotation logic, although not with Monza. Actually, if Monza doesn’t honor its commitments, Imola could be a powerful various. By no means say by no means. Earlier than the beginning of the subsequent season, we’ll outline the long run place.”
Stefano Domenicali, in very clear phrases, outlines a extremely fluid state of affairs the place Imola (whose contract expires this 12 months) may tackle a rotating position with different circuits, not simply Spa-Francorchamps (however has the 2026 restoration of the race misplaced to the 2023 flood been shelved?).
The puzzle just isn’t straightforward to resolve, given the need to convey a race to Africa, a continent at the moment unrepresented (although it is a medium- to long-term objective). From 2026, Spain goals to incorporate Madrid alongside Barcelona. Briefly, challenges come up with the candidacies of Thailand, South Korea, Turkey, and Argentina, which has gained consideration with Franco Colapinto’s debut. The sport of balancing priorities gained’t be straightforward, and Monza have to be cautious to not get caught within the shuffle.
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