F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali recently revealed that Nice has signaled its intention to host the French GP when the current deal with Paul Ricard runs out.
At the same time, Formula 1 is negotiating with Monaco an improvement of the future contract.
The Principality not only pays the lowest fee of all the events, but also has its own broadcast of the grand prix, as well as retaining the rights to put up circuit signage for its own sponsors and not those of F1.
The clash between official F1 partner Rolex and Monaco’s deal with rival TAG Heuer is something that Liberty wants to change as soon as possible.
Many see Domenicali ‘s information about the Nice offer as a way of putting pressure on Monaco with the clear implication that F1 could organize a street race just a few kilometers from the French coast.
However, Maffei insisted that highlighting Nice’s candidacy was not a negotiating tactic.
“No, we just want to have great races, that’s what we want,” he told Motorsport.com. “We always look, there are a lot of people interested in holding a race, and we look at the alternatives.”
Asked if Liberty and F1 were toying with Monaco over a future deal, he denied that was the case.
“I disagree. I think Monaco has the best deal out of all the circuits on the calendar. It may deserve it. But there are certain things that need to be consistent with everyone else.”
“We think Monaco is a special place, a wonderful place. But fairness says there are certain things that should be everywhere.”
As for the watchmakers’ clash of brands, he noted: “We try to protect our sponsors.”
Maffei recently said that F1 could follow the Las Vegas model and become involved as a promoter in some “traditional” events. However, he denied that Monaco could enter into such agreements.
“I think what I said was: ‘let’s try this, it has potential, we could be sponsors elsewhere’. Currently there is no plan. But it is an interesting model.”
“First we are going to see if we can be successful in Las Vegas. If we had to choose another venue, I am not sure that Monaco is the place where we would start to add so much value. I think there are other places where we could be more positive.”
Asked if Spa-Francorchamps was an example of a track that needed a promotion boost, he said: “There’s nothing in mind yet. I think a lot of our promoters have stepped up and a lot have done things to improve. facilities and make it a better experience.
“And we welcome that, and where we can be of use, we’d like to be.”
Meanwhile, Maffei is optimistic about the possibility of closing a deal to do a South African GP at Kyalami , with doing so in April 2023 looking the most likely.
“We’ll see. We’re trying to say we race on every continent where people have cars. We’re trying, we haven’t got it yet. But we’re trying. I think things have gotten good there.”
