Monza’s F1 future under the spotlight as Stefano Domenicali issues update

Thomas Maher 07 Sep 2023 3:00 PM

Monza: The cars go through the first chicane at the Italian Grand Prix.

Monza’s current F1 deal expires in 2025, and F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has weighed in on the prospect of an extension.

Both of Italy’s races, the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola, as well as the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, have contracts that expire in 2025, and face stern competition from races in new markets as F1’s calendar reaches capacity.

While Imola and Monza both boast exceptional history in the sport, the chances of the country holding on to two races beyond the current contract durations seems slim, and Domenicali has said the futures of both races will be discussed as soon as is possible.

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“There is one question that will be addressed in the short term, that of understanding the future of Formula 1 in Italy,” Domenicali said, as quoted by theFrench subsidiary of Motorsport.com.

“We will have to understand whether there are the resources to keep two Grands Prix [in Italy] on the calendar or whether we will concentrate on just one. I want to thank Imola because the organisers were prepared to take a risk at a difficult time like Covid, confirming that they have delivered on the commitment made.”

在这个season, Monza will begin the lengthy process of upgrading its facilities ahead of next year’s race, in a bid to keep pace with the standards of newer venues. The changes include work on the access tunnels running under the circuit, in a bid to improve circuit logistics, while hospitality and grandstand facilities will also be upgraded.

With Domenicali eager to see the historic Monza retained, he said the standards of the venue still have to meet what’s expected of other racetracks.

“They have confirmed to me that the necessary renovation work on the facilities will begin after the [2023] Grand Prix,” he said.

“This is an important step because next year it will be necessary to show a sign of improvement.

“The historical value of Monza is undeniable but we must also keep up with the times in terms of services, which must be in line with the prices paid by those who come to the circuit. In a year’s time, we’ll have clear ideas about the future.”

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Domenicali pointed to the example of Zandvoort, a similarly historic venue that has seen the entire seaside town work to ensure the highest possible standards for access, logistics, and infrastructure are met.

“There are countries that have made colossal investments, building infrastructures commensurate with their financial capabilities,” he explained.

“But there are also other aspects that weigh on the evaluation of an event and I think that in terms of entertainment, what we saw last weekend at Zandvoort is a very good example. The way the public were entertained was incredible.”