Formula 1 | Monaco acknowledges its GP needs to assess to stay on F1 calendar
Prince Albert II of Monaco is convinced that the Principality will keep its emblematic Formula 1 Grand Prix.
As F1 owner Liberty Media expands the world to new circuits, including cities like Miami and Las Vegas, it has become clear that even the sport’s most historic races like Monaco are no longer safe from disappearing.
“If Monaco was a new circuit coming to the calendar now and they said ‘We want to have the lowest entry price and you can’t overtake’, that would never be accepted.” had pitched Red Bull team boss Christian Horner recently
“If you stand still, you step back, and I think that applies to all aspects of the sport.”
Monaco’s current F1 contract expires after Sunday’s race, with L’Equipe claiming that “negotiations are underway for a three- or five-year extension”.
Prince Albert II of Monaco believes that “our history speaks for us” when we talk about the new “glamorous” Grands Prix in Miami and Las Vegas, signed for 10 years.
“I don’t think an announcement of the renewal of the contract with Liberty will be made at the GP this weekend. We have until the end of the year to conclude.”
“I think we’re going to succeed. I’m even sure of it. Of course, it won’t be done under the conditions of the past. It’s completely normal. We have to accept that. There’s a little negotiation to be done. have, but I’m very confident”
He recognized the need for changes – especially to spice up the spectacle on the track.
“We will have to work with Liberty and F1, see how we can keep adapting, improving the circuit and the infrastructure to always be efficient and always be able to welcome F1 as well as possible.”
widen the circuit, “It’s going to be complicated. I think we’re all going to have to sit down around a table. Not just the Automobile Club of Monaco, the government and the leaders of F1, but also the drivers, and technicians , engineers, to see what we can consider. Provided that this does not entail exorbitant expenses…”
Alfa Romeo team boss Frederic Vasseur admits “Of course Monaco is important to us.”
“We know perfectly well that it’s a historic Grand Prix. But in the end, their extension will have to come from their efforts because they cannot stay at the old one. And I’m not thinking only of Monaco. That’s a good lesson for all Grands Prix.”
Prince Albert II of Monaco is however quite confident.
“F1 officials have repeated quite often that they cannot imagine a season without the Monaco GP (…) I think F1 needs Monaco. I don’t want to appear presumptuous by telling me this , because it is equally true that Monaco also needs F1. In any case, it is in the interest of all parties to see Monaco continue to be this exceptional showcase not only of motorsport in general but also
F1 in particular.”