Reigning Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen has voiced strong opposition to reports suggesting the historic Imola circuit could be dropped from the F1 calendar after 2025. The Dutch driver, who has won four consecutive races at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, called the potential removal of the track a “great loss for the sport.”
The uncertainty surrounding Imola’s future stems from Formula 1’s ongoing calendar reshuffle, as the sport balances heritage circuits with high-paying, modern venues. As of now, Imola has no confirmed contract beyond this season, sparking widespread concern from drivers, fans, and even those inside the F1 paddock.
Verstappen: “We need to protect historic circuits”
In his post-race comments following his 2025 victory at the circuit, Verstappen didn’t mince words:
“Tracks like Imola are part of the DNA of Formula 1. If we start removing places like this, we risk losing the soul of the sport,” he said. “The racing here is intense, the fans are incredible, and the history is unmatched. We need more circuits like this, not fewer.”
Verstappen’s passionate defense of Imola echoes the growing tension in F1 between tradition and expansion. While the sport continues to break into new markets—Miami, Las Vegas, and potentially more races in Asia and the Middle East—the fate of historic European venues like Imola, Spa, and Monza hangs in the balance.
Domenicali: “Difficult to justify two races in Italy”
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, a native of Imola, acknowledged the complications, admitting it’s “hard to justify Italy hosting two races” amid intense global interest. With Monza also under contract scrutiny and facing its own renovation challenges, Italy’s double presence on the F1 calendar is increasingly fragile.
“We are proud of our Italian heritage,” Domenicali said earlier this year, “but the global demand for races is immense. We must look at the future with balance.”
The racing world reacts
The possibility of losing Imola has sparked widespread reaction online, with fans and former drivers rallying in support of preserving classic circuits. The track, officially known as Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, has been part of Formula 1 history since the 1980s and returned to the calendar in 2020 following the COVID-19 reshuffle. Since then, it has proven to be a favorite among drivers for its technical challenge and old-school layout.
What’s next?
As the F1 calendar continues to evolve, the pressure is mounting for the FIA and F1 management to strike a balance between innovation and tradition. Verstappen’s comments carry weight—not just because of his status as a four-time champion, but also because of his clear dominance at Imola.
If this year is indeed Imola’s farewell, it’s clear the circuit will leave a void that won’t be easily filled.
For now, the roar of F1 engines still echoes through the hills of Emilia-Romagna—but for how much longer remains uncertain. 🏁🇮🇹