Rotation plan may bring Imola back in 2027

Imola may find its way back onto the Formula 1 calendar as early as 2027, according to Italy’s sports minister Andrea Abodi and F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali.

The Emilia-Romagna circuit has lost its place on the 2026 schedule to the new Madrid street race. While the Enzo e Dino Ferrari track is a fan and driver favourite, the commercial appeal of Madrid proved decisive.

Minister Abodi told Italian news agency LaPresse that discussions are already underway about creating a rotation system, potentially alternating European venues like Imola. Domenicali, who hails from Imola himself, confirmed the plan in an interview with Il Resto del Carlino.

"First of all, for 2026, Imola is our first reserve," Domenicali said. "If for any reason a venue were to fall through, we will return to Imola with our cars and our drivers."

Looking further ahead, he said a formal rotation model could begin in 2027.

"From 2027, we could envisage a rotation among the classic European tracks. It is an idea that we are evaluating with the interested parties."

He also urged Italian motorsport fans not to see the 2026 exclusion as the end of the road for Imola.

"It is not a farewell and not even an irreparable defeat," said Domenicali. "I said from the beginning that it is necessary to respect reality. Those who propose global events have needs that cannot be ignored.

"Having said that, Imola remains in the frame." When asked by veteran Italian journalist Leo Turrini if he genuinely believed F1 would return to Imola, Domenicali gave a simple answer. "Yes. We will return."