Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has cast doubt on Imola's long-term place on the sport's calendar.
The Italian circuit stepped up during the COVID-era disruptions, and Domenicali acknowledged its role on Rai radio: "I do not forget that Imola responded for us in a moment of great difficulty. When there was a need to find new places, they responded immediately with great enthusiasm and the ability of an entire city."
Now, however, Domenicali faces pressure from prospective race hosts offering hefty sums to expand F1's global reach.
"In the coming months we will face this choice," he said. "From a human point of view it will not be easy, but I have to exercise an international role that puts me in front of many requests around the world from emerging countries that can allow F1 to grow. It is an evaluation that I will soon have to solve with a definitive decision."
Asked if Imola can coexist alongside Italy's mainstay race at Monza, he replied: "Italy has always represented and will always represent an important part of F1, even in the future. However, it will be increasingly difficult to have two grands prix in the same country because the interest in our sport is growing. It will be difficult for this current situation to continue for a long time."
Meanwhile, on Lewis Hamilton's struggles at Ferrari, Domenicali said: "Winning straight away is not trivial. I believe in his tenacity and strength to grow together with the team—I want to be positive. But at the same time it is obviously not easy. And then, (Charles) Leclerc is an extraordinary driver who does not want to miss the opportunity to show that he is stronger. But these are also extraordinary elements in the Ferrari team that are positive for the whole of Formula 1."
