Formula 1 News: ACI chief vows Monza upgrades amid Domenicali warning (Update)

(GMM) Key upgrades at Monza have taken a major step forward after local authorities approved a series of renovation plans aimed at keeping the historic venue on the Formula 1 calendar.

Monza’s City Council has given near-unanimous backing to three strategic resolutions:

1. A new Race Control center will replace the existing one;
2. The temporary top floor’s roof of the building above the pits will be replaced by a permanent one;
3. A new, permanent pressroom will be built. The historic pressroom over the pits has become part of the Paddock Club, with the media working on a temporary building located well outside the paddock, on the run down to the first chicane.

“The near-unanimous consensus expressed in the vote testifies to the shared value of this project,” said circuit president Giuseppe Redaelli.

The works are seen as essential for the circuit’s long-term future, with Formula 1 increasingly demanding modern infrastructure as new venues continue to join the calendar.

Redaelli also pointed to the economic importance of the Italian GP, with the event generating around 250 euros million for the local region each year.

“I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to the Automobile Club of Italy, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the Lombardy Region, the Monza Park Consortium, the Valle Lambro Regional Authority, the Municipality of Monza, the Superintendency and all the territorial bodies and institutions for the loyal and concrete collaboration demonstrated over the years,” he added.

Editor’s Note: After the above construction and upgrade work is completed, a renovation of the main grandstands and an improvement of the Fan Zone area will be done as well. But any hopes the access roads inside the Monza Park would be improved or the parking areas renovated are probably gone, as the track is situated inside a protected environmental area and, therefore, it is not possible to bring down any trees to widen the access roads or build a proper parking area because the tree-huggers think cutting down some trees to improve the lives of thousands will harm the environment.

(GMM) Geronimo La Russa (pictured), the new president-elect of Italy’s Automobile Club (ACI), says Monza is serious about securing its place on the Formula 1 calendar.

La Russa attended his first Italian GP as head of the organizing body last weekend, just days after F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali warned that Monza must accelerate its renovation program or risk losing its long-term slot.

“President Stefano Domenicali knows Monza very well, with its strengths and weaknesses,” La Russa told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“He told me, even in front of Sports Minister Andrea Abodi, that he was satisfied with the progress made, but he called on everyone to complete and improve the work still underway.”

With new circuits, nations and hosts across the world chasing Liberty Media for calendar slots, La Russa admitted Italy cannot rely on history alone.

“Monza is moving forward seriously,” he said.

“We’ve kept our promises, but there’s a lot to do,” he said. “F1 is an event everyone wants – we must continue to work as a team and demonstrate the organizational capacity that Italy possesses.

“Monza has a unique history, but we can’t rest on our laurels.”

La Russa set out the next steps, focusing on facilities and fan experience before the 2026 race. “The new press room is essential for journalists and for improving spaces and escape routes,” he said.

“Then there’s the expansion and improvement of the grandstands and hospitality areas, with improved restrooms and access. Our goal is to welcome more and more people in suitable conditions.”

He also suggested Monza could push for changes in its favor.

“There always needs to be improvements.,” said La Russa. “I’d like the GP to return to its historic date – the second week of September. It would make organizing easier.”

But the ACI chief stressed the most urgent priority is extending Monza’s local funding concession, which currently expires in 2028.

“The most immediate option is to continue the dialogue, which is already proceeding very fruitfully, with the park consortium and the Lombardy Region for the renewal of the concession,” La Russa explained.

“A long-term perspective is essential for planning investments and signing the new contract with F1.”