Monza Circuit’s F1 future uncertain: ‘Very optimistic to think it would stay beyond 2025’

The future of the Monza Circuit is uncertain. The ACI President has said that it would be "very optimistic" to think it would stay in F1 beyond 2025.

Monza Circuit’s F1 future uncertain: ‘Very optimistic to think it would stay beyond 2025’

The F1 Italian GP at the Monza Circuit

The Monza Circuit is perhaps THE quintessential Formula 1 track. It is easily one of the most iconic as well, along with tracks like Silverstone and Spa-Francorchamps. It’s the oldest purpose-built circuit in (mainland) Europe, and except for 1980, the (F1) Italian Grand Prix has been held here every year since 1950. Most fans can’t imagine that an F1 calendar does not feature a race in Monza. But, as it has emerged recently, it looks to be a real possibility in the near future.

The Italian Grand Prix is due to take place in Monza (officially the Autodromo di Nazionale Monza) till at least 2025. But after that, the future is rather unclear. If it does end up leaving the calendar, it will come as a real shock and many fans would mourn its departure. Last year, there was a similar scare with the Belgian GP – another iconic race. The problem? It needs renovations, and there are budget difficulties.

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As per GPFans, Angelo Sticchi Damiani, President of the Automobile Club d’Italia, said of the situation: “We have to keep up with F1, and to do so we must evolve. The challenge is to go beyond 2025, but we must have what it takes to do so. We invested €44 million last year, which went very well, but we still lost some money because of the very high running costs, regardless of the Grand Prix.”

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The Monza Circuit renovation budget (to “evolve” with F1) has “run into difficulties”

The F1 Italian GP at the Monza Circuit
The F1 Italian GP at the Monza Circuit

The fact that Formula’s arguably most iconic Grand Prix is losing money is not a good sign. The sport has been evolving, of course, and expanding in areas outside Europe. This is not necessarily a bad thing, as it brings the sport to a wider audience, and brings in good profit, too. The older tracks are popular and iconic, but they must also bring something to the table, and hold their own. Right now, it seems Monza and the Italian GP is struggling.

Angelo Sticchi Damiani then gave even further worrying news, that it would be “very optimistic” to think that Monza would stay on the calendar beyond 2025. By extension, this applies to the Italian GP, unless it is moved. He said: “Now our budget is starting to run into difficulties. We can’t be left alone in this challenge. We worked a miracle to have two races until 2025, but you would have to be very optimistic to think it will stay beyond that date.”

For now, we can enjoy the Monza circuit, despite whatever may or may not happen future. Most Formula 1 fans will hope it stays on the calendar, as it is almost the complete package – great racing, great crowd, and great history. It will definitely be a sad day if Monza was to go off the F1 calendar.

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