Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has warned that the sport must “move with the times” amid Monza’s future on the F1 calendar being uncertain beyond 2025.
The Temple of Speed is well regarded as one of the most iconic and prestigious venues on the F1 calendar, having hosted all but one iteration of the Italian Grand Prix.
As the COVID-19 pandemic forced the abandonment of several non-European rounds in 2020, Monza was accompanied by two further races on Italian soil at Mugello and Imola.
Mugello dropped off the calendar for 2021 while Imola again stepped up to replace the cancelled 2021 Chinese Grand Prix before penning an extended three-year deal in 2022 to remain on the roster alongside Monza.
With both tracks nearing the expiry of their contracts, the President of the Italian Automobile Club, Angelo Sticchi Damiani, last month claimed that a five-year extension for both rounds was all but agreed.
Domenicali has confirmed that discussions are ongoing with both circuits; however, he stressed the need for “necessary” renovations at Monza before committing to agreeing to host two events in his home country.
“We are negotiating but we need elements to carry this negotiation forward,” Domenicali told Rai’s ‘La Politica nel Pallone’ radio show.
“I am in good contact with the motorsport federation in Italy, but the work at Monza was supposed to start after the Grand Prix and still hasn’t started in December. It should now start in the near future.”
Domenicali has previously made clear that the Monza circuit must be modernised to meet F1’s evolving demands including addressing logistical concerns, resurfacing of the track surface and the construction of a new underpass.
“My push is a constructive push. We must keep pace with the times,” continued Domenicali, reasserting that there is no guaranteed place on the calendar for tracks considered to be historic or traditional.
“In 2020, Imola had an extraordinary opportunity and were ready for the unexpected call. The flood tragedy then didn’t allow us to race so we can’t wait to race there again, but it’s all about understanding the desire to invest in F1 as a racing platform.
“Entertainment and business can no longer be on a private level. It is our country that must make a precise choice.”
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