P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Officials for the town of Imola have expressed “bitterness” about its axing from next year’s F1 calendar, and showed defiance that it will one day return.
Officials in Imola are disappointed about being removed from the Formula 1 calendar next year but remain hopeful for a return in the future. The track, back in F1 in 2020 after a long absence, will be replaced by Madrid’s new street circuit in the 2026 season.
Many drivers expressed their sadness at losing Imola after this year’s race and urged F1 to preserve older circuits. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali also finds it hard to see the track go, considering his ties to Imola.
The Municipality of Imola and the Emilia-Romagna Region issued a heartfelt statement about the exclusion from the 2026 calendar but stressed that it’s not the end. Despite its storied history and loyal fan base, Imola’s future in F1 remains uncertain as the sport expands to new markets around the world.
