Alonso and Sainz are campaigning for Monaco to remain on the calendar
As his contract with Formula 1 expires at the end of the season, the Monaco Grand Prix may no longer be on the calendar next year. Carlos Sainz and Fernando Alonso have taken a stance to ensure that the historic race in the principality retains its place.
Monaco is a monument of Formula 1, certainly the most iconic circuit, the one that represents the sport the most in the average person’s mind. A cornerstone of the calendar since 1950, the principality has hosted the Grand Prix every season except four times.
But today the Monaco Grand Prix is threatened: its contract with Formula 1 is coming to an end at the end of the season and no extension has been announced yet. While some, like Zak Brown, the CEO of McLaren, had suggested the possibility of the Grand Prix being removed from the calendar, others are firmly opposed to it, like Fernando Alonso.
I think Monaco should be in the calendar. And I see no reason why it shouldn’t be. Because overtaking is always difficult, in Monaco it is difficult, it is also difficult in Singapore. It was difficult in Barcelona, it was difficult in Budapest, defends the double world champion.
Before the DRS, before 2011 or otherwise, there was no overtaking in Budapest, Barcelona, Monaco or Singapore, and there were no discussions about removing these races from the calendar,” concludes the one who won the Monaco Grand Prix in 2006 and 2007.
An opinion shared by his compatriot Carlos Sainz, who has achieved two podium finishes in the last two editions of the race in Monaco.
« I think that Monaco deserves to be on the F1 calendar anyway. I think it’s a great place to come. When you think of Formula 1, a lot of people think of Monaco. So yes, it would be good to have a passing zone, I’m not going to lie.
» explains Sainz, who would undoubtedly have appreciated having a passing zone to overtake Sergio Perez and win last week.
Like that, the show could be a little better on Sundays, but even if that’s not the case, I think everyone knows that a weekend here is all about qualifying, pit stops. And everyone is already expecting that. So it’s not like we’re missing out on much,” continues the Ferrari driver.
The future of Monaco remains uncertain, but the support of the drivers could possibly help it maintain its position.
