The future of the Italian Grand Prix is continuing to look very bleak, with the nation’s deputy prime minister having admitted that the historic race “is at risk”.
Both the Italian GP and the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix are typically seen with packed-out grandstands and a sea of red, in support of their beloved Ferrari.
However, Ferrari’s currently struggles are having a concerning effect on ticket sales, with neither event currently receiving much interest from fans wanting to attend.
“We have to keep our commitments to Formula 1,” said Italian automobile club Aci president Angelo Sticchi Damiani, “but ticket sales for the two races aren’t going as hoped.”
Want to work in Formula 1? Browse the latest F1 job vacancies
With the race at Imola taking place next month, the news that ticket sales aren’t going well will come as a huge concern, especially with how many countries are showing interest in hosting an F1 race.
Monza appears to be fairing significantly worse than Imola, though, with the circuit looking at significant risk of being axed from future calendars.
The circuit’s place on the calendar is currently safe until 2025, when its current deal expires.
Monza – which has appeared on the F1 calendar since the sport started in 1950 – has been told by the sport’s commercial rights holders Liberty Media to upgrade the circuit, something which will to no surprise cost a significant amount.
The country’s deputy PM has openly admitted how bad things are looking currently for Monza; however, “everything” is being done to keep it on the calendar.
“The Monza GP is at risk,” Italy’s deputy prime minister and minister of infrastructure Matteo Salvini told Autosprint.
“As a minister I will do everything to ensure that Monza has its event which stands for history and tradition.”
Monza and Imola will likely be hoping for Ferrari to have strong races in Azerbaijan and Miami, in a bid to sell all the remaining tickets.
READ: Who will replace Sergio Perez as Max Verstappen’s team-mate?
The Maranello-based team’s best result of the season thus far is third at the recent Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
Leclerc has only finished two races this season, but he was the driver who picked up the Scuderia’s podium in Baku.
Ferrari will be hoping for a stronger outing in Miami this weekend, as they bring upgrades in a bid to challenge Red Bull.