Many countries want GP, but Italy wants two races: 'Must absolutely stay'

For the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, the corona pandemic opened the door to a Formula 1 comeback. Thanks in part to a race at the Italian circuit, F1 was able to set up a Grand Prix calendar in 2020 and thus hold a championship. Since then, Formula 1 has hosted the Emilia-Romagna region every year. As a result, there are now two Grands Prix in Italy, while there is no place for races in other countries.

Until the '25 season, Imola is assured of a Grand Prix. If it is up to politics and businesses in Italy, it will not stop there. In the future too, Formula 1 must keep both Imola and Monza every year, it was pronounced at a press conference on the eve of the race in Emilia-Romagna.

Symbol of prosperity

This included Matteo Salvini, who is currently infrastructure minister. "The Grands Prix mean work, tourism, beauty, identity, tradition, research, innovation and they are symbols of prosperity and jobs, which is sacred in the current times: the goal is to secure both Imola and Monza, they must absolutely coexist," the politician said, according to the Gazzetta dello Sport.

Italian politicians subsidise the races at Monza and Imola with a total of five million euros. The importance of the races is confirmed by Antonio Tajani, minister of foreign affairs and international cooperation: "F1's strong international appeal gives Italy an extraordinary promotion abroad and [financial] support is a priority for the government, because it gives [the Grands Prix] a dynamic, creative and winning image of the country," Tajani told reporters.