Formula 1 News: Imola working hard to return to F1 calendar

(GMM) Imola could be back on the Formula 1 calendar as soon as 2027. That’s the view of two highly powerful characters – Italy’s federal sports minister Andrea Abodi, and F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali.

With the Madrid street race set to debut in 2026, it’s at the expense of the iconic and popular event at Imola’s Enzo e Dino Ferrari circuit – a favorite of the purist fans and drivers.

When asked about his disappointment at losing Italy’s second F1 race, minister Abodi told the Italian news agency LaPresse that plans are being hatched behind the scenes for an “alternation” arrangement.

F1 CEO Domenicali, an Imola native, confirmed the news.

“First of all, for 2026, Imola is our first reserve,” he told the Bologna newspaper Il Resto del Carlino.

“If for any reason a venue were to fall through, we will return to Imola with our cars and our drivers.

“From 2027, we could envisage a rotation among the classic European tracks,” Domenicali added. “It is an idea that we are evaluating with the interested parties.”

Therefore, he advised both Italian officials and Imola fans not to give up hope.

“It is not a farewell and not even an irreparable defeat,” said Domenicali. “I said from the beginning that it is necessary to respect reality. Those who propose global events have needs that cannot be ignored.

“Having said that, Imola remains in the frame.”

Interviewer Leo Turrini, a well-known Italian F1 insider, finished by asking Domenicali if he is really serious about taking the grand prix circus back to Imola.

“Yes,” answered the 60-year-old Italian. “We will return.”

June 11, 2025

(GMM) Imola has been dropped from the Formula 1 calendar – but the iconic Italian venue is not giving up on making a return.

At Tuesday’s meeting of the World Motor Sport Council in Macau, the FIA rubber-stamped another 24-race schedule proposed by F1 – with Madrid confirmed as a brand new host.

And with F1, the FIA and the teams all agreeing that the 2026 calendar cannot accommodate a 25th grand prix, fears that Imola would be the host left without a place were confirmed.

“This is news that we were aware of and that understandably generates questions, disappointment and a sense of bitterness,” Imola mayor Marco
Panieri and regional president Michele de Pascale admitted in a joint statement.

“However, we want to be very clear – this news is by no means the final word.”

On the face of it, the only chance of an immediate comeback for Imola would be Madrid’s new street circuit failing inspection by the FIA.

Both F1 and the FIA admit that the Madrid GP next year is only scheduled “subject to FIA circuit homologation”.

Germany’s major newspaper Bild notes that there is actually a “big question mark” hovering over the inaugural 2026 Madrid GP. “Many doubt that the street circuit will be ready in time for its planned premiere,” it claims.

“If it doesn’t work out, Imola is the first alternative candidate.”

Indeed, Imola’s Panieri and de Pascale confirm that a race budget for 2026 is already allocated.

Also teetering on the brink of losing its own spot on the F1 calendar is long-time host Barcelona – even though the event is still on the schedule for 2026.

However, the long-time Spanish GP host does not have a contract beyond 2026.

The official ambassador for the new Madrid GP, Williams driver and Madrid native Carlos Sainz, said this week: “I wish Barcelona the best, and I hope we have two home races during my entire racing career.”

Banco Santander is a long-time supporter of Spain’s Formula 1 interests, and its sponsorships boss Felipe Martin said he is hoping the Barcelona race can survive beyond next year.

“Having a grand prix is a highly prized right in many countries, and for Spain to be able to have two, in the two largest cities, would be a luxury,” he admitted to Diario Sport.

“For us, next year will be wonderful, and I hope this situation lasts for many years, with one grand prix before the summer and another afterward. I want, I hope, and I wish that we can have two grands prix in Spain for a long time to come.”