With Formula 1 approaching the limit imposed by the Pact of Concord of 25 grand prix per season, and with the arrival of the new appointments in Las Vegas and Qatar, the competition is increasing to keep a gap in the calendar of the highest category of the motoring.
The Grand Circus’ general manager, Stefano Domenicali , has made it clear that even the classic circuits have to earn their place, and cannot rely on the glory of the past as their guarantee to keep hosting races.
This statement has caused rumors to appear about the possible departure of the Monaco Grand Prix from the calendar, especially since it is an atypical layout in the Formula 1 business model in terms of commercial exploitation and television production.
Pierre Gasly said it would be difficult to accept Monaco losing its place, as the event has been an intrinsic part of the sport, and even predates the formation of the category as such, as its first event was held in 1929 .
It has been part of the Formula 1 calendar in 67 of the 73 seasons since the world championship began in 1950, being present in the first edition made up of seven tests, and it was held in each of the years from 1955 to 2019 , since that the pandemic prevented its celebration in 2020.
It is also one of three races that make up the famous Triple Crown, along with the IndyCar Indianapolis 500 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The AlphaTauri driver, whose best result in Monte Carlo is a fifth place with Red Bull in 2019, revealed that it was his favorite circuit: “It would be like a shock if Monaco finished off the calendar, it is probably the most iconic race in the world.”
“Speaking to non-F1 fans, everyone has heard about Monaco for various reasons, whether it’s the racing or all the action around the grand prix. It’s a very iconic weekend.” , expressed the Gaul.
“I think, and I really hope, that we get to experience it as drivers because it’s probably the toughest circuit of the season, the most challenging, and it’s my favourite,” Gasly continued.
The Frenchman said that a number of historic venues such as Spa-Francorchamps were also important enough to always remain on the calendar: “I have a very special attachment to these races,” he said. “The one at home (France), and Monaco, it feels like mine, and then Spa is the closest to my hometown, so it usually has a lot of support there.”
“They are very emblematic tracks, especially Spa and Monaco, which are my two favorites. I think they are part of the Formula 1 DNA and should be on the calendar every year,” said the Frenchman.
“We know F1 today, there are a lot of things that go into planning, so we’ll see what happens, but hopefully we can keep them for the next few years,” Gasly said.
Monaco’s contract with the Grand Circus expires after this season’s round, but Automobile Club de Monaco president Michel Boeri indicated he was adamant about a deal with the series.
“I would like to refer to what has been read in the press, where it is said that we can fight to continue organizing great prizes beyond the 2022 event,” he said in a meeting with the stewards before the May test, according to The Monaco Gazette .
“It was implied that the fees demanded by Liberty Media were too large for Monaco, and that the grand prize would no longer take place,” he continued. “That is false, we continue to talk with them, and now we must seal the agreement with a contract.”
“I can guarantee that the grand prix will continue to be held beyond 2022, I don’t know if it will be a three or five year agreement, but that is a detail,” Boeri settled.
