Max Verstappen speaks out: Imola's departure ‘A shame’ for Formula 1

Max Verstappen Expresses Disappointment Over Imola’s Exit From F1 Calendar

In a bittersweet moment for Formula 1, reigning champion Max Verstappen expressed his disappointment at the removal of the iconic Imola circuit from the racing calendar after 2025. With Sunday marking the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix’s final race under its current contract, next season’s addition of Madrid’s new street circuit has bumped the historic Imola track off the schedule, leaving motorsport enthusiasts and drivers contemplating the loss of one of racing’s most revered venues.

"It’s a shame to lose these kind of tracks," Verstappen lamented during his post-race comments.

The Dutchman has dominated at Imola since its return in 2020, clinching four victories in five appearances. He elaborated on the dual forces reshaping Formula 1’s calendar, citing its balancing act between sport and business.

"I get it from F1’s side of things, of course—the new tracks that we are going to," Verstappen acknowledged. "You have to see it from a sportive side and a financial side, right? If you want to grow the business and make it more popular, I get it. But for me personally, when I think about the enjoyment of driving, it’s these kinds of tracks that made me fall in love with racing."

The Legacy of Imola

Imola, which first hosted an F1 world championship race in 1980, has a storied legacy that demands a driver’s utmost respect—a characteristic Verstappen doesn’t take lightly. The Red Bull star reflected on how circuits like Imola shaped his passion for motorsport, comparing it to the thrill he first encountered as a young karting enthusiast.

"When you started watching Formula 1, there were always these few tracks where you just ... I don't know, you look at the speeds, you look at how difficult they are to master," said Verstappen, leaning into the emotional connection that fans and drivers alike feel toward iconic venues. "The history of the sport at certain tracks—you know, it’s all very special and gives you a bit more emotion to things."

Formula 1’s Global Expansion

Imola’s legendary twists and turns have long been associated with Formula 1’s heritage, serving as a theater of countless battles over the years. But with Formula 1 continuing its global expansion and focusing on more commercial opportunities, staple circuits like Imola face tough competition from newer venues.

"So, yeah, it’s definitely a shame for me personally,” Verstappen concluded. “But what can I do about it?"

An Era Comes to an End

As Formula 1 eyes the future with fresh destinations, drivers like Verstappen remind fans of the irreplaceable charm certain circuits bring to the sport. For many, Imola’s absence marks the end of an era—a poignant reminder of the evolving nature of Formula 1.

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