The "Madring" rekindles the debate around the disappearance of Imola from the calendar

In a context where the Formula 1 tends to expand on all continents, Europe is losing ground. Historically, Spa-Francorchamps will begin an alternation from 2029, while Imola's place appears threatened. Although the Emilia-Romagna circuit has already been at the heart of discussions through Stefano Domenicali, boss of Formula 1, today's announcement would tend to put an end to Italian hopes.

While praising Spain's continued presence on the Formula 1 calendar, as well as its strengthening thanks to the arrival of its capital in 2026, Manuel Aviñó, president of the Royal Spanish Automobile Federation, made a notable statement. "By 2026, Spain will be the only country, along with the United States, to host two Formula 1 races." he commented.

Monza as the only representative of Italy despite Imola?

While the United States already hosts the Austin, Texas, Miami, Florida, and Las Vegas, Nevada races, Spain is preparing to host the Barcelona and Madrid Grand Prix simultaneously in 2026. The first question here concerns the Circuit de Catalunya. To date, no new agreement has been revealed regarding the Grand Prix, which has been signed until the end of next season. Its continuity beyond the next season is also not a certainty.

Imola, on the other hand, had been the subject of comments from Stefano Domenicali, himself from this region of Italy. According to him, there is no evidence that allows him to guarantee the circuit's longevity in a context where numerous candidates are emerging in Africa or Asia, for example. Although Manuel Aviñó did not specifically mention Imola in his speech, this news, coupled with F1's desire not to exceed 24 events in a season, tends to raise questions.

ALSO READ > Domenicali says Imola's place on the calendar is under threat