Domenicali acknowledges that Imola could be a contender for the 2026 replacement.
"We must be ready."
Formula 1 has announced that this year's postponed Bahrain Grand Prix will take place at Malaysia's Sepang circuit instead, while Stefano Domenicali acknowledges that Imola remains on standby should the ongoing conflict in the Middle East necessitate further changes to the calendar. The event was moved due to the renewed hostilities involving Iran, alongside growing uncertainty regarding the season finale races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
In an interview with Sky Italia following the Hungarian Grand Prix, Domenicali emphasized that Formula 1 still aims to fulfill the original calendar. "We must be ready," he stated. "Naturally, we hope until the very end." He added, "By nature, we’re optimistic, so until the last moment, the calendar includes Qatar and Abu Dhabi. Moreover, those events are nearly sold out too." However, he noted, "If different decisions need to be made, we are prepared. Who knows, we might end up speaking Italian. We'll see."
Later, he informed Sky Deutschland that Formula 1 cannot postpone indefinitely. "We want to delay the decision as long as possible," the Italian remarked. "But I would say we need to reach a decision before the end of September."
In other news, Domenicali indicated that the Hungaroring has assured its long-term future following its significant redevelopment. "The modernization work is finished, and I believe we are ready to discuss the even longer term," he mentioned. "Negotiations for an early contract extension are already in progress. The Hungaroring is certainly one of the tracks where we are having very concrete discussions about hosting a weekend with a Saturday sprint." He added, "We want to keep developing in this direction, and Hungary is a clear candidate."
Away from the calendar discussions, Aston Martin's new Honda power unit is set to make its track debut at the Hungaroring on Wednesday before its expected race introduction at Zandvoort. "Honestly, yes," said Honda's Shintaro Orihara when asked if they feel pressure following Aston Martin's significant chassis improvement. "Thanks to the upgraded chassis, we are back in the fight with our rivals. Any enhancements are crucial to closing the gap." He emphasized, "The chassis is performing well, and now it’s vital to introduce the new power unit in Zandvoort. Our power unit should aid in gaining lap time."
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