Zak Brown suggests Imola could stay in F1 by alternating with other tracks. Zak Brown believes Imola could stay in F1 through a rotation system.

There is no permanent place for Imola in the F1 calendar, but an alternative might exist to continue racing at the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari.
Imola will almost certainly be off the F1 calendar in 2026. However, the fate of the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari might still hold some surprises. As we know, Stefano Domenicali’s desk is filled with proposals from all over the world—countries eager to get a taste of the Circus and ready to sign a blank check. But Europe is Europe, and even at the highest levels, that is being acknowledged.

With the 2026 calendar being finalized, Imola’s departure from F1 is drawing nearer. According to information gathered by the Italian media, efforts to secure the future of the Romagna track have proven unsuccessful. The Madrid Grand Prix is set to arrive, barring construction delays, and the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari will be relegated to the role of a “reserve” venue.

Losing the “second” Italian round of the championship is yet another blow to European motorsport. It adds to the absence of Grands Prix in France and Germany—both countries with historic circuits now tragically excluded from the calendar—as well as to the uncertain future of Spa-Francorchamps, which is set to rotate. From this new rotation model, a type of contract proposed by Formula 1, a possible solution could emerge.

Imola yes, but only if it alternates with other tracks
Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren, stressed the importance of such a solution in an interview with Bild: “We can’t run more than 24 races a year for logistical reasons. Personally, I’d like most circuits to have a spot on the calendar. To achieve this, I think the tracks should rotate, hosting a race every few years.”

“We already have many races in Europe and America. India, South Korea, and South Africa are potential new destinations. There could also be a second race in China, and I see growth potential in the Southeast Asian region.”

“In Europe, Germany is a major market, with Mercedes and Audi, so maybe hosting a race there every two years would be a good idea. I love Imola, but I also love Monza. If one of the two had to be dropped from the calendar, I’d choose the elegant solution of rotation—even though that’s easier said than done.”