The Automobile Club de Monaco has been in talks with Formula One, with the existing contract expiring after this weekend's event.
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Monaco and Formula One have been inseparable for decades, but according to rumors, that connection could be on the verge of ending. The Automobile Club de Monaco (ACM) has been in talks with Formula One for several months, with the existing contract expiring after this weekend’s event. The blockbuster extravaganza, held in Monte Carlo, is famed for its glamor and elegance, as well as the slew of celebrities that come trackside to watch the action.
Last month, ACM president Michel Boeri issued an “assurance” that Monaco will be on the F1 schedule in the future. However, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has previously stated that traditional circuits are not certain to preserve their race weekend. There has been no definitive decision on Monaco’s position on the schedule for next year. While spectators frequently grumble about the dearth of overtaking possibilities in Monaco, drivers nevertheless see the race as a flagship event.
The size of the motorhomes used by teams has doubled, and it has been stated that there is a challenge to accommodate people in adjacent motels. The scenario is made even more perplexing by the news that Monaco does not pay F1 any fees for the privilege to conduct a race on an annual basis. Both Saudi Arabia and Qatar spend $50 million each time their music is used, and the same publication claims Monaco’s small donation has not gone ignored.
Read more: Charles Leclerc crashes Niki Lauda’s 1974 Ferrari at Monaco Historic Grand Prix
Lewis Hamilton spoke earlier this month where he expressed very clearly that he wouldn’t want to see Monaco leave F1. “It’s one of the crown jewels of our sport. So I’m not really sure it would be great to lose it. I guess that the difficult part is that the racing itself is not that spectacular. Everyone that goes enjoys it. It is a prime location. Many of us live in Monaco. But it is the status and the history that is so appealing to drivers but also to those that are watching.” said Hamilton.
While Miami played host to a Grand Prix recently, and Las Vegas will feature next year. Both these cities do not suffer from the same accommodation problems at Monte Carlo and could provide the same experience to the fans and the drivers, handing them an advantage in their bid to remain part of F1. Could the iconic venue be replaced ? Only time will tell.
