Maserati chief reacts to 'disappointing' Italy Formula E axing

Giovanni Sgro, Head of Maserati Corse, has conceded that Italy not featuring on the new Formula E calendar is "disappointing", whilst its driver Jehan Daruvala has called it a "huge loss".

It was quickly noticed following the unveiling of the 2024/25 Formula E calendar that Italy has not been included – Italy has featured on the calendar in six of the last seven seasons. 

Formula E's trip this year to Misano was seemingly not the most successful, with both the circuit and the location being an issue. 

The Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli is a beautiful track, although it ultimately offered a spectacle some fans struggled to keep up with. It is also not close to any major airport, making it a logistical issue for the championship. 

On the whole, most of the drivers also did not enjoy the Misano E-Prix, and called for the sport to return to Rome, although this remains off the cards. EV technology is also yet to really boom in Italy, making it an odd market. 

For motorsport, Italy is significant, but not so much for EV technology. With no Italy, only three European venues feature on the new calendar for 2024/25.

For Maserati, losing its home race is a significant blow. 

"Obviously, disappointing not to see a home race for us in Italy," Sgro told RacingNews365. "The fans are fantastic, and there's always a tremendous sense of pride when any Italian citizen sees an Italian brand such as ours compete in a sport, in this case motorsport. 

"So, it's going to be sad to see that race disappear from the calendar next year. But I'm hoping it's going to come back eventually."

'Big shame'

Since joining Maserati last season, Maximilian Günther has enjoyed great success at the Italian manufacturer's home races. 

Last season, Günther secured a famous podium for the team in Rome, whilst earlier this season he finished on the rostrum in Misano.

As a Maserati driver, he has seen the significance of the brand having a home race and has shared his personal disappointment at Italy being axed.

"Yeah, for sure, it's a big shame for Maserati to have no home races," Günther also told RacingNews365. 

"Yeah, it has been super special last year in Rome, this year in Misano. It's a big
shame, I think to lose the Italian venue. 

"The fans are always amazing as well, I have to mention that the food is always great. So yeah, definitely a big loss."

Daruvala also agrees with Sgro and Günther, with Misano actually being a special venue for the Indian driver. 

His first Formula E point was scored in Italy, a memory he will forever cherish.

"I definitely agree with Max there, for our team and even for us as drivers it's a huge loss for the race in Italy," said Daruvala. 

"Motorsport, the soul and passion, everything starts in Italy, and as well, for me in Formula E, my first point was in Misano. 

"It will be a huge memory, and that happened in Italy. So definitely a big miss."