F1 renews Imola GP deal until 2025

Formula 1 will be racing at Imola until at least 2025 after the series announced a new contract extension.

F1’s current deal with the circuit has extended for another three years, keeping a second Italian F1 race on the calendar for a few more years. F1 returned to the famous venue in 2020 after an absence of 14 years, with the circuit filling in on the Covid-impacted calendar.

“I am delighted that we will be continuing our excellent partnership with Imola for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix until 2025,” F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said of the announcement.

“The circuit is iconic and has been part of the history of our sport and they have done an incredible job of hosting two races during the pandemic. It is a proud moment for our Italian fans to host two races and for all our fans around the world to see this fantastic circuit on the calendar for the future.

“I want to thank everyone involved in making this happen and the work of the Emilia-Romagna Region, in particular the President of the Automobile Club of Italy, Angelo Sticchi Damiani, President of Emilia-Romagna, Stefano Bonaccini, the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the City of Imola. We are all looking forward to being back in Imola in April to thrill our fans.”

Last year it hosted one of the most eventful races of the season, won by Max Verstappen after a battle with title rival Lewis Hamilton that included the two almost crashing with one another at the first chicane.

BREAKING: We're racing in Emilia-Romagna until 2025!

The historic Imola circuit is locked in as we race into a new era!#ImolaGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/ygZaP1exXY

— Formula 1 (@F1) March 7, 2022

George Russell and Valtteri Bottas also crashed spectacularly, with each driver blaming the other after Russell caught a wet patch of grass before spearing into the then-Mercedes driver.

“It’s an extraordinary result for the Emilia-Romagna region and for the Motor Valley,” President of Emilia Romagna, Stefano Bonaccini said.

“The confirmation that the Made in Italy and Emilia-Romagna Formula 1 Grand Prix that will be held at the Enzo and Dino Ferrari Autodrome in Imola until 2025 is a reward to an important team effort that involved the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ice (i.d. the Italian Trade Agency), the City of Imola, ACI, CON.AMI and Formula 1, of course.

“After two successfully organized editions, a unique event of great international appeal and absolute prestige was confirmed in the long run along the Via Emilia despite the limitations imposed by the pandemic and while preparations are already underway for the 2022 edition.

“The event will allow us to turn the spotlight on both a region which is home to great champions and world-famous motorsport brands and Italy, a country rich in unique, internationally renowned excellence in all fields, starting from the automotive industry. For us, this is a great source of pride and a precious opportunity to discuss values, knowledge and professionalism that translate first and foremost into work, innovation and the ability to do business together and with great passion.”

Imola will host the fourth round of the 2022 F1 season later this year in April 24.