Uncertainly surrounds once again the future of the Italian Grand Prix at Monza according to the historic venue’s boss, Angelo Sticchi Damiani. Monza boss Angelo Sticchi Damiani has admitted the future of the F1 Italian Grand Prix is in doubt. Formula 1’s oldest circuit and most long-standing race agreed to a three-year deal with Bernie Ecclestone back in 2016 following lengthy negotiations. While the race is firmly set on the 2018 calendar, Automobile Club of Milan president Damiani says there are no guarantees continuity will be ensured. Formula 1 however isn’t the cause of the worries.
After a period of uncertainty, the historic race is on the F1 2018 calendar. Beyond that, however, it remains to be seen. Damiani, boss of the Italian automobile club (ACI), told La Gazzetta dello Sport, “If conditions do not change, we can no longer guarantee the future of the Grand Prix at Monza.”For the 100-year anniversary in 2022, it’s only right that the circuit must be adapted,” Damiani said. He said one major problem is an Italian regulation known as the “stability law,” explaining, “We do not cost the state one euro and we don’t ask for anything except that we are not hindered.” Damiani referenced the Italian government’s recent failure to approve an amendment to its 2018 Budget Law. A state of affairs which could lead to restrictions of the rules governing public finance at a time when Monza would require investment to keep up with Formula 1’s demands.
Like the other 20 race promoters, representatives of Monza attended a key meeting last week with Liberty Media. Damiani said, “What I notice is a general suffering. On the part of Liberty, it is because a monstrous investment has been made and now there must be a return. “And also (it is true) on the side of the teams, who have even higher costs, and us as organizers who are strangled,” he added.
