F1 CEO says new engine cycle to be agreed in Monza – This weekend Formula one returns to one of its most historic of circuits in the royal park in Monza, often called the temple of speed. The track was part of Europe’s move to copy the UK and build circuits for racing given the number of spectators getting killed at the road racing events.
In 1954 the track was modified to include a high speed oval as part of a figure of eight configuration where the cars shared the main straight, whether about to enter the oval or continue straight on into the park section. The banking section remains today, but was abandoned for racing when in 1962 Wolfgang von Trips along with fifteen spectators were killed following a collision with Jim Clark’s Lotus.
Today the Monza circuit is showing its age, the access for the expected 300,000 spectators needs improving together with walkways which are from yesteryear need attention to cope with modern demands. Unlike the glitz and glamour of theAbu Dhabi grandstands, Monza’s remain a testament to a time when functionality over form mattered.
Monza ‘too slow’ in making improvements
As the F1 circus arrives in Northern Italy, F1’s CEO Stefano Domenicali has sent a pointed reminder to the organisers of the Italian Grand Prix that the temple of speed cannot rely alone on its iconic history. He stressed in an interview with La Gazzetta that infrastructure upgrades and improved spectator services are essential to remain competitive with others the global calendar.
“Let’s say it’s in surplus… going at the pace of a middle-distance run,” Domenicali remarked wryly when asked about the progress of modernisation works. “It is necessary to create a welcoming setting for the spectators and from September 8, the day after the competition, the organisation must react because there is a flood of works to be carried out.”
F1’s most recent new venues of in Miami and Las Vegas, where the spectator experience has been planned to the very last detail. Yacht club style premium viewing areas are part of Miami’s appeal, whilst the hospitality in Las Vegas is larger than anywhere else in the world. Madrid will join the F1 calendar in 2026 whilst Rwanda, Portugal and Morocco are all holding discussions with FOM
This year’s event in Monza will attempt to create better fan engagement through its “Ultimate Hospitality” areas between the Ascari chicane and Parabolica. Domenicali noted that the release of Brad Pitt’s Formula One film could deliver an additional boost in global interest this year.
F1’s CEO noted Hamilton’s ‘human weakness’
“Formula 1 is confirmed in great health,” Domenicali said. “There is more and more interest from the public… Next year we will have to explain the new regulations to an increasingly varied audience, made up of young people and non-experienced people. We will have to be good at doing it with adequate graphics and content.”
On track, Domenicali acknowledged the shifting balance of power. McLaren leads the title battle with Oscar Piastri ahead of Lando Norris, while Max Verstappen’s hopes of a fifth consecutive crown are gone. Ferrari, meanwhile, finds itself fighting Mercedes for second in the constructors’ standings, with Charles Leclerc’s five podiums offering limited reward.
Attention inevitably turned to Lewis Hamilton, whose Ferrari move has so far delivered the toughest start to a season in his career. “Lewis didn’t think he had to face such a difficult start,” said F1’s supremo. “I was struck by his moment of human weakness in Hungary, linked to a complicated context. But he must react and continue to fight to make history by winning with Ferrari, without being overwhelmed by other thoughts. He has the character to succeed and enlighten those around him. I expect him to be a great protagonist again next year.”
Domenicali also spoke about the new wave of talent. Isack Hadjar impressed with a podium for Racing Bulls in the Netherlands, while Mercedes rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli continues to learn amid setbacks, including his collision with Leclerc at Zandvoort. “Kimi is my daughter’s age. I’ve known him since he was a child. He is understanding that in Formula 1 you have to grow fast. Having his family by his side will help him. We will see him more aware in 2026. I think he can have an extraordinary career.”
F1engine cycle to be agreed in Monza
Looking ahead, Domenicali described the upcoming 2026 rules as “fascinating.” New cars, engines, and tyres will demand fresh driving styles. “Electric power management strategies will force drivers to change their driving style. I don’t expect the dominance of a team like Mercedes in 2014. It is expected that those who are behind will be able to recover with concessions of more hours and a higher budget. This regulation has attracted Audi, Cadillac and Honda. Toyota looks interested. And there are funds that want to buy teams. However, after Monza, we will meet to see if this cycle should last five or four years. For the future we want simpler engines and lighter single-seater.”
Domenicali also confirmed further change for Sprint races, arguing that fans, promoters, and now most drivers back the format. “Promoters and fans are tired of Friday practice. And now the majority of the pilots also agree: let’s say eighteen out of twenty. Max? If you talk to him in confidence, he begins to recognise that the format makes sense. After all, pilots were born to race. In a few years, all the GPs will ask to have the weekend with the Sprint Race on Saturday.”
So Monza has its contract until 2031, but Domenicali’s message is clear: you can’t serve spaghetti in a paper plate forever and call it world-class hospitality. The Temple of Speed is still sacred ground, but rival circuits are circling with sleek facilities, luxury lounges, and air-conditioned everything. Monza, meanwhile, has added a “relaxation area” between Ascari and Parabolica — which is nice, if you don’t mind waiting until 2031 for the grandstands to catch up.
As for Hamilton, Domenicali’s pep talk reads like a polite reminder that wearing red doesn’t automatically deliver glory. The seven-time champion must now find a way to “enlighten those around him,” preferably by not qualifying 12th and looking like he wants to be anywhere else.
Don’t mention the V10
Antonelli’s struggles were handled with paternal warmth, Domenicali noting that the rookie is “my daughter’s age” — which is a subtle way of reminding us all just how young he is. Still, the Italian fans may care less about his age than about how often he punts Ferraris into barriers.
And then there is the 2026 reset. More electric management, more sustainability, more complexity — but don’t worry, Domenicali promises simpler engines and lighter cars “for the future.” When? Well, that depends if the meeting after Monza decides this cycle lasts three, four or five years, or until someone finds the nerve to say “V10” without being escorted out of the room.
The contract signed does have conditional aspects to it which doesn’t guarantee Monza its place on the calendar regardless. It seems like Domenicali is warning the promoters he wants to see further progress before next years race weekend, with a threat of there unthinkable – No Italian Grand Prix.
FIA working on V8 specification for 2029
With the Formula one teams now fully focused on the he new ruleset coming in 2026, much of the early season chatter about the next generation of power units after that has faded away. So concerned were the FIA over the next generation of hybrid monsters over the horizon, the teams were called to a big meeting in Bahrain to discuss the future.
One option offered by the sport’s governing body was to retain the current power units whilst a solution was quickly sort that would see a return of V10 or V8 engines to F1. Yet this was rejected by most the manufacturers who have made a considerable investment in the 2026 power units.
The surprising element of the discussions was the time frame mooted to replace the 2026 power units, with sources reporting the FIA would like to implement them as early as 2028/29. The usual cycle is around five years, although the current breed of engines have survived way past their sell by date…. READ MORE
A.J. Hunt is Senior Editor at TJ13, where Andrew oversees editorial standards and contributes to the site’s Formula 1 coverage. A career journalist with experience in both print and digital sports media, Andrew trained in investigative journalism and has written for a range of European sports outlets.
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