Formula 1 drivers are resigned to the likelihood this weekend’s Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix will be their last visit to Imola for now.
The track which returned to the F1 schedule during the Covid-19 pandemic five years ago does not have a contract to host a race beyond the end of this season and appears unlikely to get one. With a new street race in Madrid joining the 2026 F1 calendar, Imola looks set to be squeezed out.
Championship leader Oscar Piastri is among those who will miss the venue if F1 does not return.
“It’s a great circuit,” said the McLaren driver. “I’ve only raced here once, but it’s definitely towards the top end of my favourites.”
The last round in Miami was the first of three grands prix which will take place in the USA this year. But Piastri doesn’t believe Italy can continue to host a race in Imola in addition to the Italian Grand Prix at Monza.
“I think having two races in the same country, with how many bids we have from around the world, maybe doesn’t make that much sense anymore,” he said. “And when you have Monza as your second race in Italy, it’s pretty hard not to go to Monza. I think there’d be some riots if we didn’t!”
Several European rounds are under pressure. The Dutch Grand Prix will end next year while the Belgian Grand Prix will only take place every other season after 2027. Piastri warned F1 should “be careful to preserve the history.”
“Zandvoort is going, Spa is going to be on rotation, which I’m not the happiest about. We just need to be careful not to lose these historical tracks.
Houses overlook the Imola circuit
“Okay, maybe it’s not the best track to race on — not the best for overtaking — but in terms of the ultimate experience of driving an F1 car, this is at the top of the list. We need to be mindful of that.”
Mercedes driver and Grand Prix Drivers Association director George Russell said Imola’s appeal goes beyond its layout.
“Ultimately Formula 1 is what it is because of the fans,” he said. “They are what make it so special. So having races like Imola, Monza, Silverstone – everyone’s always excited to come here.
“Of course Formula 1 is so massive and the TV side of it is maybe the biggest factor, but we should never forget the core part of it, which is for fans who come and live and breathe racing. Imola is one of the best circuits for this especially in the last sector, you have people’s houses overlooking the track, that’s just awesome.”
Max Verstappen is seeking a fourth consecutive victory at the circuit this year, but is doubtful he will get the chance to win another.
“I always enjoyed driving here, even back in F3 we raced here,” he said. “It’s a very, very special track. A real driver’s track with the kerbs that you have to take, there’s lap time to be gained.
“So of course, I hope it’s not [going to be dropped], but we also have to be of course realistic. I think even F1 said it themselves that it’s tough to keep two Italian grands prix on the calendar. But first I think I’m just going to enjoy the moment.”
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