Stefano Domenicali talks about his plans regarding the F1 calendar. [Credits: X/ Formula 1]

Stefano Domenicali Suggests a Shuffle in F1 Calendar!

F1 CEO is thinking about rearranging some races on the current F1 calendar.

Stefano Domenicali talks about his plans regarding the F1 calendar. [Credits: X/ Formula 1]

Stefano Domenicali has been a part of the spotlight in recent times for his decisions. Under his tenure, F1 is hosting one of the longest seasons in the history of the sport. The F1 calendar consists of 24 races in 2025. These include three races in the USA alone. It’s natural that a sport as expansive as Formula 1 is always on the lookout for new tracks and fresh changes. Formula 1’s recent decisions on hosting races at various tracks have been quite controversial to say none the least.

The newest venues of F1 look good on paper but they are not appeasing their fans. The Las Vegas GP has been in controversy since its debut. Bahrain GP is yet another race which has been a trouble maker for Formula 1. The fans are not impressed with the Monaco GP either calling it a boring race which only exists to serve historical importance.

Domenicali has come forward to suggest some changes for the upcoming F1 seasons. Although none of his suggestions have come true yet, it is a clear indication of the direction F1 wants to move in.

Stefano Domenicali Suggests Removal of Imola

The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, endearingly known as Imola GP returned to the F1 calendar in 2020 during the COVID-19 crisis. The track responded with enthusiasm during a difficult time for the sport. The Imola GP was banished from Formula 1 after the 2007 season. Imola is an infamous track. It has irregular corners and has faced some of the worst crashes in the history of F1.

The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix took the lives of Roland Ratzenberger and Ayrton Senna in the same weekend. It was one of the darkest weekends of Formula 1 racing. Imola’s infamous Tamburello corner is a turn which even veteran drivers do not like to navigate.

Imola could drop from the F1 calendar 😳
— ESPN F1 (@ESPNF1) April 16, 2025

According to Stefano Domenicali, F1 finds it incredibly difficult to continue racing in Imola with their exhaustive 24 race calendar. His words were met with a lot of criticism from F1 fans. It is important to note that Imola is also the home race for Ferrari, who have their headquarters in Maranello. Italy’s contribution to the legacy of Formula 1 is also an important factor to consider. Imola’s contract with F1 is up for renewal in 2025. Only time will tell, if Imola is going to find itself out of F1 yet again.

“Not There Yet”- Domenicali on Formula 1 Racing in Africa

The African GP was one of the most popular races which was teased to return in F1. The last time African hosted a Formula 1 race was in 1993. Kyalami was the last track to host a race in Africa before their hiatus from F1. The track has expressed its interest to host F1 once again. But, there is no confirmation regarding the additon of African GP to F1 once again. In Domenicali’s own words-

Just completed a very important meeting with Stefano Domenicali, Formula One Group CEO. We are one step closer to bringing it to South Africa. I wanna thank Minister of Youth & Sport of Azerbaijan, HE Farid Gayibov for arranging this meeting and hosting me. GNU at work Ntate 🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/7l7WGJqvU6
— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) September 14, 2024

“Before taking that step, we need guarantees on three fronts: investment that benefits the community beyond F1’s presence, infrastructure and an economic base that can support the event long-term. We’re not on standby – we’re working to assess what’s still missing before we can say, ‘Okay, let’s go.’ But we’re not there yet.”

It seems that the Las Vegas GP’s commercial success has taken hold of Domenicali’s mind. He is not ready to add a new track to the calendar unless he is sure about the profits. Stefano Domenicali has also confirmed that 24 races are the maximum races that he will saction for an F1 calendar.

Formula 1

Formula 1 2025 Season

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I work as a Writer at The Playoffs specialising in NHL, Formula 1 and Motorsports. I got into online journalism a couple of years ago. I used to be an intern for a website managing their Formula 1 content and then I served an entire year as a contractual writer.