Formula 1 has solidified its commitment to the Italian Grand Prix by announcing a six-year extension that will see the iconic race remain on the F1 calendar until 2031.
The announcement made on November 27, 2024, comes as part of a broader strategy to ensure that one of the sport’s most historic venues, the Autodromo Nazionale Monza, continues to be a central fixture in Formula 1 racing.
The previous agreement was set to expire at the end of the 2025 season, but recent upgrades and a strong commitment from local authorities have paved the way for this extension.
Monza, often referred to as “The Temple of Speed,” has been a cornerstone of Formula 1 since its inception in 1950, hosting the Italian Grand Prix almost every year except for a brief hiatus in 1980 due to renovations.
Known for its high-speed straights and thrilling atmosphere, Monza is located just north-east of Milan, a city renowned for its cultural and fashion significance.
The circuit itself spans 5.8 kilometers and is characterized by its fast-paced layout, where drivers are on full throttle for approximately 80% of each lap. This unique configuration has made it one of the fastest tracks on the F1 calendar.
The announcement of the new six-year extension follows a successful Italian Grand Prix weekend in September 2024, which saw an impressive turnout of approximately 335,000 fans.
This turnout underscores the passionate support that Ferrari receives from its loyal fans known as “Tifosi,” who flock to Monza each year to cheer for their team. The latest victory at the historic venue was secured by Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc further cementing the circuit’s status as a home ground for the Scuderia.
Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali expressed his delight at the contract extension, emphasizing Monza’s pivotal role in the sport’s history.
“I am delighted that the Italian Grand Prix will remain on the F1 calendar until 2031,“ Domenicali said. “Monza is at the very heart of Formula 1 history and the atmosphere each year is unique as the Tifosi gather in huge numbers to cheer on Ferrari and the drivers.
“The recent upgrades to the circuit’s infrastructure and the planned investment show a strong commitment to the long-term future of Formula 1 in Italy.
“I want to thank the President of the Automobile Club d’Italia, the Italian Government, and the Lombardy Region for their continued passion and commitment to our sport. I also want to pay tribute to our incredible fans across the country who support Formula 1 so passionately.”
President of the Automobile Club d’Italia Angelo Sticchi Damiani echoed Domenicali’s sentiments, highlighting that securing six more seasons for the Italian Grand Prix is a significant achievement for Italian motorsport.
He added: “It’s a great honour for us, the Automobile Club of Italy (ACI), to have succeeded in guaranteeing the hosting of six more Italian Grand Prix F1 seasons at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza after 2025.
“We must thank the valuable and decisive contribution of the current President and CEO of Formula 1 Group, Stefano Domenicali, who made this contract extension possible.
“Much as we should, certainly, thank the Italian Government, the Lombardy Region, and all the local institutions that have allowed the Italian Grand Prix to attract, during the last editions, an ever-increasing number of enthusiastic fans.
“In particular, I want to emphasize the key contribution of the Italian Government and the Lombardy Region, which have invested resources in this centenarian circuit and funded the works carried out this year.
“As we all know, Monza is the oldest racetrack in the world to host a race of the World Championship, and it is also the longest-running event on the World Championship calendar.
“We are all aware that history is no longer enough. Following the resurfacing of the track and underpasses to improve the safety on track and for the fans.
“We are now faced with a new challenge in 2025: improving the quality and quantity of hospitality offerings. With this goal in mind, we are already working to keep ahead of the standards required by modern Formula 1.”
The agreement comes at a time when several European circuits face uncertainty regarding their future on the F1 calendar following discussions about rotational systems aimed at accommodating new venues worldwide.
However, Monza’s rich heritage and strong fanbase have ensured its place as a permanent fixture for years to come. This stability is particularly important as Formula 1 continues to expand its global reach and attract new audiences.
In recent years, F1 has experienced substantial growth in Italy as the sport reported a cumulative audience of approximately 183.3 million viewers across various platforms in Italy during 2023 alone.
Additionally, social media engagement among fans surged by 16%, indicating a vibrant community eager for more content related to their favorite sport. This growth reflects not only an increase in interest but also highlights how integral the Italian Grand Prix is to Formula 1’s success.
Looking ahead, plans are already underway to improve hospitality offerings at Monza by 2025. These improvements aim to elevate spectator experiences while ensuring the venue meets modern standards expected by today’s F1 audience.
As anticipation builds for future races at Autodromo Nazionale Monza, it is clear that this iconic circuit will continue to be a focal point for motorsport enthusiasts around the world.
The next Italian Grand Prix is scheduled for September 5-7, 2025, marking another chapter in what promises to be an exciting era for both Formula 1 and its dedicated fanbase in Italy.
