Has Monaco had its day?
Traditional Formula 1 races are threatened with extinction
Created: 04/05/2022, 16:16
By: Marius Epp
Formula 1 has always fitted well with the Monaco lifestyle.
© Jerry Andre/imago
The Monaco street circuit has legendary status in Formula 1.
But is the route no longer up-to-date?
A statement should worry die-hard fans.
Monaco - Beau Rivage, Casino, Rascasse: the names of the corners are nowhere as famous as at the Monaco Grand Prix*.
The cult track on the Cote d'Azur is an integral part of the Formula 1* racing calendar.
With the only exception in 2020, Formula 1 has been a guest in Monaco for 68 years in a row.
Is this tradition really in danger?
As legendary as the track is - there is always criticism.
Over the years, cars have gotten bigger and heavier, and overtaking has become almost impossible.
With the new races in Las Vegas, Miami and Qatar, Formula 1 is expanding rapidly, and the racing calendar is already quite bloated.
And there are limits: according to regulations, no more than 24 races may be held in one season.
Circuit de Monaco |
Length: 3.337 km |
Curves: 19 |
Fan capacity: 37,000 |
Opening: 1929 |
Formula 1: Monaco falls victim to Las Vegas and Miami?
As of now, 25 routes have a contract for 2023, i.e. at least one Grand Prix is at stake.
Why is Monaco endangered?
In the past, the organizers in the Principality only had to pay low entry fees and enjoyed more contractual freedom than usual.
Video: Formula 1 in Las Vegas
With the development of new markets in the USA and Asia, the premier class hopes for a lot of money, Monaco could possibly fall victim to the economic interests of the owners.
The contract for the Monaco GP expires after the current season, and the negotiations are eagerly awaited.
Formula 1 fears for the Monaco Grand Prix - team boss Brown considers it possible
McLaren* team boss Zak Brown also believes it is possible to replace the cult race.
"I would prefer Monaco to stay on the calendar, but just as the sport as a whole is bigger than any individual driver or team, it is also bigger than any individual Grand Prix," he told
Reuters
.
"Maybe ways should be found to adapt the track to the bigger cars," he suggests.
The narrow course also does not do particularly well when it comes to safety.
But Monaco is not the only track worried about its future in Formula 1.
The historic Belgian Grand Prix* in Spa-Francorchamps and the French GP in Le Castellet* are also reportedly cancellation candidates.
(epp) *tz.de is an offer from IPPEN.MEDIA