Monaco will remain on the calendar according to the organizers
Threatened by the expansion of Formula 1 in the United States and the Middle East, Monaco will have to make efforts to retain its place on the calendar. However, the organizers are reassuring as the contract linking the Grand Prix to Formula 1 expires at the end of the season.
The historic Monaco Grand Prix could disappear from the calendar. This is at least what some rumors have suggested, citing the arrival of new destinations and the lack of financial contribution from the Principality’s Grand Prix to Formula 1. As the contract between the race and F1 expires at the end of the season, the president of the Automobile Club of Monaco sought to reassure.
« It has been implied [in the press] that the prices requested by Liberty Media (the owners of F1, note) were too excessive for Monaco. That is false. We are still in discussions and we just need to finalize it with a contract. I can guarantee you that the Grand Prix will continue to take place after 2022. I don’t know if it will be a three or five-year contract, but it’s a detail,” assured Michel Boeri to La Gazette de Monaco.
The rumors surrounding Monaco’s removal from the calendar had increased following statements from Stefano Domenicali, the boss of Formula 1. The Italian seems more inclined to take the premier category to new lands to conquer a new audience rather than to preserve certain historic circuits at all costs.
The arrival of new promoters’ offers is an advantage for F1, and it should force the organizers of traditional Grand Prix races to increase their level of quality in terms of what they offer to the public, infrastructure, and event management. Having a pedigree is no longer enough. You must also demonstrate that you are following the evolution, warned Domenicali, indirectly targeting certain races such as Monaco.
In recent months, Formula 1 has increased its presence in the Middle East (Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain) and in the United States (Miami, Las Vegas), and also wishes to return to China soon. Discussions are also intensifying for a return of South Africa to F1 in 2024.
“>Africa could also make a comeback in 2024. So many new destinations that will logically force out certain Grand Prix races, as the Concorde Agreements limit the calendar to 24 races.”
France, Belgium, Monaco, and Mexico are at the end of their contracts this year. While the last named is expected to keep its place, the circuits of Le Castellet and Spa-Francorchamps will have to negotiate to host the fastest cars in the world again in 2023. Monaco doesn’t seem to be immediately threatened, but organizers will have to double their efforts to keep the most iconic Grand Prix on the calendar.
