What Imola Teaches Us About Leadership and Change.

In the fast-moving world of Formula 1, no circuit captures the tension between past and future quite like Imola. 

Imola is a race steeped in emotion. It’s where legends are made — and where the sport was forever changed in 1994 with the tragic death of Roland Ratzenberger and Ayrton Senna. Every return to Imola carries the weight of history, a quiet reminder of how far F1 has come, and the sacrifices made along the way. 

Imola is also a symbol of reinvention. The circuit disappeared from the calendar for over a decade before returning in 2020 with the world in the grip of a global pandemic, reimagined for a new era of racing. This blend of legacy and renewal mirrors a challenge every business faces: how to evolve without losing your identity. 

In F1, as in business, success demands resilience. High-performing teams must balance respect for heritage with the courage to innovate. Too much reverence for the past can stall progress. Too little, and you lose the very essence that made you great. 

At Performance Insights, we work with leaders and speakers who understand this balance. Many have lived it — navigating change at the highest levels of sport, adapting under pressure, and learning when to hold fast and when to shift gears. 

As we approach the Grand Prix at Imola this week, we’re reminded that legacy isn’t something to protect in a glass case. It’s something to build upon. 

If you're looking to inspire bold transformation in your team — with lessons from motorsport’s greatest minds — we’d love to talk. 

Contact us at [email protected]