Verstappen Laments Imola’s Departure from the F1 Calendar
The winner of the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, Max Verstappen, expressed his regret at the imminent departure of the Imola circuit from the Formula 1 calendar next year.
Sunday’s race was the last under Imola’s current contract. With the addition of a new street circuit in Madrid for next year, the 2026 calendar does not include the Italian circuit.
Verstappen has dominated at Imola, winning four of the five races since the famous circuit returned to F1 in 2020. The Dutch driver emphasized that he will miss this circuit when it is no longer part of the calendar.
Losing these kinds of circuits is a shame.
Max Verstappen
Verstappen understood Formula 1’s perspective, highlighting the importance of considering both sporting and financial aspects for the sport’s growth and popularity.
The driver shared his love for the circuits that inspired him to fall in love with motorsport, from his beginnings in karting. Imola, which debuted in the F1 championship in 1980, is one of those circuits that demand respect and skill from the drivers.
Verstappen recalled the emotion and history surrounding Imola, a circuit that has always held a special place in the hearts of fans and drivers.
