Doubts over whether the Madrid circuit will be ready in time for the 2026 event have fueled Imola’s hopes, as the historic Italian track is aiming to return having a Grand Prix, positioning itself as a reserve for next year.

The meeting held in Monza during the Italian GP was productive, although the demands made by Liberty Media exceeded the expectations of the Imola delegation. We’re talking about a sum around €60 million. Formula 1’s promoter continues to receive requests from organizers eager to host a Grand Prix, which increases the value of each event vying for one of the 24 slots on the season calendar. The increase of interest has raised the bar, with the fee going up.

In addition to Madrid—reportedly having resolved all issues to be ready with its circuit by 2026—other circuits such as Hockenheim (Germany), Portimao (Portugal), and Istanbul (Turkey) have also thrown their hats in the ring. These organizers appear to have secured financial backing through state support.

It’s clear that Formula 1 has become a highly sought-after category due to the media exposure it guarantees, offering global visibility that few other sports can match. And with so much demand on the market, the price is inevitably rising—shutting out those who hoped to secure a spot on the calendar through race rotation.

This rotation concept, which had gained traction in the recent past, now seems to be fading—along with the idea of hosting a Grand Prix every two years at a cost of €40 million. These factors are making the situation more complicated than initially expected for the Imola Delegation that aims to regain the Gran Prix on its iconic circuit.

Photo: Courtesy of Scuderia Ferraru