Monaco GP future negotiations begin now
May 29 - Formula 1 team bosses are confident Liberty Media and organisers of the iconic Monaco GP will settle their differences and agree a new contract for 2023 and beyond.
Many in the paddock are stunned that the sport's commercial rights holder would consider axing what is arguably the most historic and unique of all the races on the calendar.
"What is also true is that we have more and more demands coming from everywhere in the world," Alfa Romeo boss Frederic Vasseur said.
"On our side, it's difficult to imagine that we will do much more than 24 races."
Indeed, with Liberty looking to expand the calendar to 24 races next year with Las Vegas, China's potential return and perhaps even Kyalami in South Africa, European venues including Monaco, Spa and Paul Ricard are in doubt.
Monaco is an easy target for F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, as the expiring deal - agreed under the Bernie Ecclestone regime - includes many privileges for the Principality.
For instance, Monaco controls its paddock club and the TV feed, while the contract also allows organisers to erect their own advertising - with the TAg Heuer signage clashing notably with F1 backer Rolex.
The opening round of negotiations between Monaco and Domenicali reportedly also mentioned the possibility of deleting the chicane and modifying the Tabac corner to aid overtaking.
"Seriously, it's important for everybody to find a deal," said Vasseur.
"But the show is rising up like hell and the demands of the teams are as well, so we have to find solutions. But I think everybody will agree on something."
Andreas Seidl also acknowledged the Domenicali-led Liberty Media's dilemma.
"I'm sure he will find the right mix between keeping traditional races plus opening up all the opportunity for new venues," said the McLaren boss.
"There's a huge interest in Formula 1, but at the same time there's a limit of how many races per year we can do. So of course financial considerations are very important as well.
"But I'm sure that Stefano will find the right solution in the end."
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Should Kyalami return someday, this most certainly wouldn't happen for next season. Simply too soon.
Hell yeah ,Thanks to Mr Musk they'll be racing Teslas on the Moon... and why not I say
Ah good old Rolex, a British invention we let go grrrrr
Hmm, getting rid of that chicane would creat a nicer DRS run.
While I'm not mushy about Monaco like some, I'd rather keep it than add China to the calendar. I would hope F1 has learned from recent invasions that you don't race in countries that threaten sovereign states. They better get with the geopolitical programme.
just mushy nappy fitter
I watch every race and have for about 10 years now. Love it and hate it. From an American fan's perspective, it biggest challenge in appealing to the masses is that it's yet another institution controlled by high-society elitists. From the teams to the venues to the announcers, most of the people involved are completely disconnected from the general public. Monaco is a perfect example. I love the race, its history and pageantry. But it doesn't appeal to 99.99% of the world because of it's been hijacked by the elite, the rich and the privileged. None of them have much to do with racing.
Racing fans want racing. They want things that are attainable. F1 is a closed, exclusive system accessible to only a privileged few.
But that's the way the world works, if you want it different , go communist..!!
The Monaco Grand Prix is very unique .Its got all the style tradition and glitz like no other.The downside is that the race is no race at all almost all the time.The proper race yesterday was the Indy 500.
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