Stefano Domenicali says he now faces a ‘difficult’ decision that leaves iconic F1 circuit at risk of being dropped in 2026

Formula 1 is growing at a rate that the sport has never seen before, with more races than ever taking place to quench fans’ thirst for action.

Last year saw all 10 teams travel to 24 different events for the first time in the sport’s history, and the 2025 F1 calendar is equally busy.

The campaign has started with five race weekends in the space of six weeks, including a Sprint Race at the Chinese Grand Prix.

Max Verstappen warned that drivers will get ill due to the demands being put on them over the course of the year, but Formula One Group CEO Stefano Domenicali knows he faces a tough balancing act over the coming years.

Zandvoort will host its final race in 2026, while Spa’s new deal means it’s now going to host its Grand Prix as part of a rotation alongside other circuits.

There are so many countries trying to join the schedule, with Thailand pushing hard to organise an F1 race.

This leaves Domenicali facing a difficult decision that could see this year’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix be the last time Imola is a permanent fixture on the calendar.

READ MORE: The most successful drivers at the Formula 1 Emilia Romagna GP of all time

Stefano Domenicali faces ‘difficult’ decision on Imola’s Formula 1 future

Domenicali was speaking on the La Politica nel Pallone program on Radio Rai Gr Parlamento, and was asked about Imola’s immediate future.

The circuit, which first hosted a Formula 1 race in 1980, has entered the final year of its contract with the sport.

Domenicali was asked about Italy continuing to have two races going forward and explained: “Italy has always represented and will represent in the future an important part of F1.

“It will be more and more difficult to have two GPs in the same country because the interest in F1 is growing, and it is a situation that we will have to face in the coming months.

“It is difficult to see how this situation of Imola and Monza together on the calendar can continue for long.

“In the coming months, we will face this choice, from a human point of view, it will not be easy, but I have to play an international role that puts me in front of so many requests around the world from emerging countries that can allow F1 to grow.

“It is an evaluation that I will soon have to make as a definitive choice.

“I do not forget that Imola responded at a time of great difficulty, that of Covid.

“When we needed to find new places, they responded immediately with the enthusiasm and ability of an entire city.”

READ MORE: Five unforgettable Emilia Romagna GP moments, with Bottas and Russell’s crash

Which circuits are in danger of falling off the Formula 1 calendar in 2025?

Imola isn’t the only circuit whose position is under threat heading into next season.

The Las Vegas Grand Prix has also entered the final year of its agreement with Formula 1.

Given that F1 are more heavily involved in the marketing and organisation of the race in Las Vegas, even if they haven’t extended their contract yet, it would be a surprise if this year’s event is the final one organised at the street circuit.

The other race at risk is the Mexico City Grand Prix, which now faces a tough choice given that their incredible fanbase no longer has a home town hero to cheer for.

Sergio Perez has been linked with signing for Cadillac in 2026, which would immediately increase interest in Mexico once again.

It’s also a huge event, and if F1 can maintain interest in the sport even if Perez doesn’t return, then its future should be safe.

Spain will also host two races next year with the introduction of the Madrid Grand Prix, but that leaves the future of the race at the Circuit de Catalunya in serious doubt as well.