F1 News: CEO Raises Questions Marks Over Future Of Italian GP

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has questioned the need for two races in Italy.

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has raised alarm bells over the future of the Italian and Emilia Romagna Grands Prix, stating that he is assessing whether the sport can continue with two races in Italy.

The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix was set to take place earlier this year at the iconic Imola circuit but was unfortunately forced to cancel due to severe flooding in the region and is set to take place again in 2024 from 17 to 19 May. The Italian Grand Prix has come to a close today at the Monza track which is also due to carry on through 2024 which will be on 30 August to 1 September.

However, during an interview with Autosport.com, Domenicali has confirmed that the future of two Italian races is not certain. He explained:

“There is one issue that will be addressed in the short term, and that is to understand the future of Formula 1 in Italy.

“We will have to understand if there are the resources to be able to keep two grands prix on the calendar, or if we will focus on just one.

“I want to thank Imola, because the organisers were ready to take a chance in a difficult moment like COVID, confirming that they lived up to the commitment made.”

Developments at the Monza track are set to take place imminently in order to improve facilities for fans. Domenicali spoke about the improvements, commenting:

“They have confirmed to me that the necessary renovation work on the facility will begin after the end of the grand prix.

“It's an important step because next year it's necessary to give a signal of improvement.

“The historical value of Monza is beyond question, but we also need to keep up with the times in terms of services, which must be in line with the prices paid by those who come to the race track. Within the next year, we will have clear ideas about the future.

“There are countries that have made huge investments, building infrastructure in line with their financial possibilities.

“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 in Zandvoort is a very good example. The way the audience was entertained was incredible."