Bernie Ecclestone has suggested the Italian Grand Prix could fall off the calendar along with German as he puts pressure on Monza to agree to new terms after 2016.
The German Grand Prix will not take place this year after it became clear the Nurburgring could not afford the high race sanctioning fees demanded by Formula One. Italy's current contract sees it pay less than some of the other European races, but unless it finds a way to pay the going rate it will also go the way of Germany.
"We have to wait and see," Ecclestone said. "They don't have an agreement. A bit like Germany really. The Italian Grand Prix has been on the calendar since 1950 and has only once been held somewhere other than Monza in 1980 when it was hosted by Imola.
Asked if it was unthinkable to lose Italy from the calendar, Ecclestone said: "I tell you something, I was told that when we didn't have a race in France actually. And Germany now. We've got some good replacements, haven't we?"
Asked if it could be held elsewhere in Italy, Ecclestone added: "Yeah, sure."
Meanwhile, plans for the inaugural Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku next year are on course according to Ecclestone.
"Ah Baku, yes. Sure. No problem. That's going to be another good race."
Asked if the country's human rights record would be checked, he added: ""e have. I think everybody seems to be happy. Doesn't seem to be any big problem there."