Max laments Imola exit as F1 faces changing track landscape

MAX Verstappen has won four times in a row at Imola, but a fifth victory next year looks unlikely, with Formula One expected to drop the Italian circuit from the calendar.

- 

There is currently no contract in place for 2026, and Formula One chief executive Stefano Domenicali who was born and raised in the town near Bologna has acknowledged that it will be difficult to justify Italy hosting two races, given the growing global demand for slots.

Four-time world champion Verstappen said he understood the decision, with Monza already secured as the Italian Grand Prix venue until 2031, but admitted he would feel the loss.

"Losing these kinds of tracks is a shame. I get it from F1’s side of things, of course the new tracks that we are going to," said the Red Bull driver after winning Sunday’s Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix.

"You have to see it from both a sporting and financial perspective, right? If you want to grow the business and make it more popular, I get it.