Fernando Alonso voiced a notably different opinion from what has been heard since Sunday, defending the Monaco Grand Prix amid continued criticism. He reminded Formula 1 fans and media that the race’s unique challenges have long defined it.
The iconic event drew criticism after this year’s Monaco Grand Prix, where Lando Norris converted pole position into victory ahead of home favourite Charles Leclerc.
Following yet another processional race with virtually no overtaking, and frustration over the failed implementation of a controversial two-stop requirement, drivers and team bosses expressed their discontent with the event.
Suggestions have been made regarding pit stop rules, circuit layout changes, and how modern F1 car dimensions are affecting the racing in Monaco.
For Alonso, however, Monaco’s character is part of its charm, and its limitations are nothing new.
“Monaco has always been Monaco, but today expectations are high, the media presence is huge, the internet and social media are everywhere, and Formula 1 is very much in the spotlight.”
“People want spectacle, overtaking, they want to improve the sport from their couch; at home, everyone has ideas, that sort of thing.”
“I’m always a bit surprised by the negative comments about Monaco on Monday, but don’t worry, because next year we’ll go to Monaco and by Wednesday everyone will be very excited again.”
“I think that’s how it is; you play all your cards on Saturday, sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn’t, but there are other circuits that are like this too.”
“This is the nature of Formula 1, even with the current competition. A few years ago—two or three—I think Max and Red Bull won almost every race. It was the same with McLaren in the 1990s, and that’s Formula 1. But it’s still the number one sport, and we still enjoy it the way it is.”
While many in the paddock have called for changes—from revising mandatory pit stop rules to altering the layout—Alonso warned against focusing too heavily on the negatives, especially since Monaco’s difficulties have always been part of its DNA.
“Lance [Stroll] overtook Nico [Hülkenberg] on the final lap; you see an overtake once every three years. That’s the nature of Monaco. But we’re constantly hearing about how bad something is instead of how good it is — that’s Monaco.”
“There may be a few ideas we could explore for Monaco, among everyone in the sport — drivers, the FIA, teams. But I don’t think there’s any need to rethink anything.”
“It’s just that, like I said, there’s a lot of content to produce, and we drivers are too polite, so we answer every question. Because if, 40 years ago, you had asked [Ayrton] Senna and [Alain] Prost about Monaco after a week, they would have been less polite than us and would have told you to leave Monaco alone.”
Nico Hülkenberg echoed Alonso’s sentiments in the Barcelona paddock, insisting Monaco should be accepted for what it is.
“I don’t really get all the fuss. People know what’s coming, and then they still complain. So I don’t really spend a lot of time or energy on it. If you want to do better, just qualify better. Stop crying.”
“Every year it’s the same, and even though my Grand Prix wasn’t very exciting… I feel like Monaco has always been like this. Looking at the grandstands and seating areas, I thought it was more packed than ever. And in terms of guests and celebrities, people still seem to love it.”
“But when was the LAST spectacular Monaco Grand Prix? Tell me when.”
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