Photo Credit: Red Bull Content Pool
Formula One returns to the principality of Monaco for another week of glitz and glamour, with the future of the race widely in discussion as the sport looks to evolve and add to the spectacle on offer.
Historically, it’s hard to beat the ‘Crown Jewel’, one that drivers across the world dream of getting the opportunity to win.
This year, we can look forwards to a few notable storylines, with Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso looking to win on the 17th anniversary of his first Monaco triumph, and Charles Leclerc attempting to overcome his torrid luck on home turf.
But the racing is the main problem with the circuit among both the drivers and the fans. A lack of overtaking, and boring races have led to calls for the track to make serious modifications or leave the sport.
A country with just 0.8 square miles of space cannot accommodate too many changes, but there are a few adjustments rumoured, such as changes in sector two to widen Portier, and the removal of the Nouvelle Chicane.
It’s impossible to replace such as an iconic venue, however, there is a need to satisfy a fanbase that relies on a excitement to stay engaged.
Monaco itself is an incredible location, as celebrities and millionaires flock to enjoy a weekend of racing and partying like no other event on the calendar can offer.
Photo Credit: Red Bull Content Pool
Formula One built its current image up through being an exclusive spectacle. Tickets for the race weekend start from £900, but the newer generation of fans are being increasingly vocal about how difficult the sport is to access for the average person.
In terms of pure racing, what fan would say no to cheaper tickets, more overtaking and easier access? These are a few of the things that Monaco fails to offer, but you can equally get other venues such as the Hungarian and Spanish Grand Prix’s.
It’s hard to witness the appeal of the street race, unless you’re able to view it in person. The rumble of the cars as they roar past every lap is like nothing else on earth.
No location on the planet has quite the historic significance and special edge that the Monaco Grand Prix has. Although overtaking has proven to be challenging, many drivers still love to drive the circuit, with close proximity to the walls and thrilling one lap demands on a Saturday.
Newer fans may not understand why it remains to this day, but it deserves to be on the calendar. The drivers love the adrenaline on a Saturday, and those who grew up watching F1, feel the nostalgia each year as other venues continue to drop off the calendar (Hockenheim, Nurburgring, Imola and Sepang).
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The Italian and Belgian Grand Prix’s continue to be under threat, as F1 continues to push into new markets such as the US and Middle East.
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali discussed the need for older circuits to be focused on the future, especially with competition coming from the demand for more races in other continents.
“When historic circuits are only looking behind there’s something that’s no good, when the historic circuits have a good foundation to look ahead with a different future that’s beautiful,” Domenicali said.
“That’s why with the so-called historic grands prix we are focused on understanding what is the view of the future.
“To be arrogant and believe that you have a granted future because you had a race since 100 years, to be very honest, is not enough,” he concluded.
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So while many are split on whether the race should stay, Domenicali is making it clear that in order for Monaco to have a stable future, it has to move with the times.
Changes to the layout loom, but with wet weather around this weekend, worries could quickly be put to the back of our minds if we end up with a race like the Australian Grand Prix.
Equally another Red Bull 1-2 could be a nail in the coffin for Monaco, as they look to continue their undisputed domination of the 2023 season.
However it ends up, I hope that the race is around to stay, as well as the races in Monza and Spa. If you ever get the opportunity to go any of these yourself, you should take it – because they’re not likely to be around forever.
