La Russa (ACI): ‘Monza: a record-breaking Grand Prix – we’re a model for the world’

The focus on Formula 1 means that Liberty is receiving requests from many countries to organise Grand Prix events, and is demanding ever-higher fees whilst raising the standards of the facilities. For this reason, work agreed upon to ensure an even safer and more technologically advanced race control centre, as well as improvements to the press room and the roof of the so-called Paddock Club – the most exclusive hospitality area managed directly by Liberty – will commence on Monday 14 September. The Ministry of Transport and the Lombardy Region have already allocated 40 million. The works, which are due to be completed in August 2027, will be carried out by Italian companies. This is a significant boon for the local area, as is the work of the 25,000 workers who, for one month each year, are involved in the organisational machinery.

Meanwhile, the 2026 edition has set new financial records for the Grand Prix.

And we are very proud of this. Over the weekend, we welcomed 404,000 enthusiasts, 64 per cent of whom came from abroad: Germany, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Poland, France and 64 other countries. These visitor numbers account for the economic impact, not only for Monza and the Brianza region – as highlighted by the Minister for Tourism, Gianmarco Mazzi – which totalled 208 million euros, an increase of 8 per cent compared with 2025.

Figures that will be difficult to increase, given the space available.

We strive to make improvements year on year. For this year’s event, we have added new grandstands, bringing the total to 45. We also aim to offer a range of hospitality and price tiers, from the general admission area to the central grandstand, so that the event is accessible to all budgets. This is a commercial policy I feel very strongly about, and one that has ensured record takings of 40 million in 2026 – 12 per cent more than last year.

Looking at the ACI’s latest financial statements and the figures relating to the organisation of the two Grands Prix held in 2025, a trend is emerging whereby Monza is becoming increasingly less reliant on public funding. How close is this goal?

With the renewal of the agreement with Liberty, the fee required to organise the competition has increased (around 25 million a year, ed.), but given the new initiatives planned and the modernisation measures we have in mind, I don’t think it will be by much. In fact, this is one of my objectives. The Italian Grand Prix at Monza has everything it takes to become self-sustaining in terms of revenue and costs.

A balance which makes the other Grand Prix falling under the jurisdiction of the ACI – the Imola Grand Prix – seem further away. Although one must never forget the impact on the local area when assessing the economic benefits of hosting a major sporting event. 

I agree. And the example of Monza bears this out.

In this regard, is there still a chance that the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix and the ‘Made in Italy’ event might be rescheduled for the end of the season?

Yes. On the one hand, one is tempted to say ‘unfortunately’, because it means that the war in the Gulf region is still ongoing. On the other hand, however, I would add that it would be a wonderful opportunity for Italia and the Motor Valley. Even during the Covid emergency, we were ready and hosted three races on the Italian mainland – at Monza, Imola and Mugello. This time too, we’ll be able to play our part, and should Liberty need us, we won’t be caught unprepared.