Explained - Why Imola GP could actually make his return to F1 calendar in the near future

The news had been in the air for months, but the release of the official 2026 calendar has confirmed what was widely expected: Formula 1 will not stop in Imola next year, with Monza being the only Italian venue on the schedule.

However, despite its absence from the calendar, Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali — a native of Imola himself — is confident that the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix could return in the near future, thanks to the right moves and a targeted plan.

Commenting on the news to TG1, Domenicali said: ''At the moment the presence on the calendar for 2026 is discontinued barring any surprises, but the possibility of Imola returning to the calendar in the future does exist. It is by no means remote. The conditions need to be discussed together''.

Instead of Imola, Madrid will take its place next year, returning to the Formula 1 calendar after the last edition held at Jarama in 1981.

This means Spain will have two Grands Prix in 2026, while awaiting final approval for the construction of the circuit in the Spanish capital, following some protests that arose in recent weeks.

However, with Formula 1 becoming increasingly popular, Domenicali believes it is unlikely to see more than one Grand Prix per country, except for the United States.

"Interest in F1 is growing, and it will become increasingly difficult to have two Grands Prix in the same country. It’s a situation we’ll have to deal with, but it’s unlikely to continue for long'', the italian concluded via La Gazzetta di Modena.