Formula 1 | Monaco GP ‘doesn’t want to follow all requests’ from F1
Michel Boeri, the top Monaco GP official, has admitted he is in tough negotiations with Liberty Media over the uncertain future of F1’s most famous race.
The president of the Automobile Club de Monaco, who is also a senior FIA official, confirmed reports that the main sticking point with Liberty is the F1 owner’s desire for more control over racing.
“That is, let them run the track, the commercials, the awards ceremony, the stewards – all of that,” Boeri told Monaco Info.
“I’m sorry, but we still did 79 Grands Prix – unfortunately, I did 50 – as far as I’m concerned, it’s clear that I’m not close to following them in all their requests.”
“When they manage to attract a new Grand Prix to themselves, they manage the track, the fame, the press accreditations, absolutely everything. Almost 80% of the European Grands Prix have given up everything. Maybe they receive compensation, I don’t know, but it’s the same everywhere.”
“As proof, the Grand Prix from which we expect mountains and wonders, Las Vegas, where Liberty will organize everything.”
“You might think that I’m not flexible enough, but I still think, as far as Monaco is concerned, that it’s not a Grand Prix modeled on the others but that, contrary to what Liberty thinks, the specificity of each one is essential, and for us, in particular the image of Monaco is not characterized by the circuit alone but by its exceptional setting, its tradition, its decorum and the quality of its welcome.”
“Contrary to what Liberty thinks, the uniqueness of each course is essential.”
Monaco’s current deal has now expired, but Boeri reveals negotiations have at least resulted in an agreement on “essential subjects”.
“For the moment we have an ongoing, continuous dialogue, everyone plays their role. They are there to take our advantages and we are there to keep them. They are not completely bewildered and neither are we, so I don’t don’t know how the bride’s dress will be.”
“A negotiation is done on several points. To be completely honest, we have agreed with Liberty on the essential subjects. There may still be 10% to negotiate. The next meeting will take place within two weeks. after the Grand Prix.”