Monaco GP Faces Modernisation to Secure F1 Future

Monaco GP’s future is at risk, prompting calls for changes to the track, tyre strategies, and race format to ensure it remains a viable part of Formula 1.

Track, tyres, mandatory strategies, everything must be examined.

The current format of the Monaco GP “won’t work in the long run,” according to Red Bull’s F1 consultant, Dr Helmut Marko.

Sunday’s slow and processional race in the Principality occurred at a delicate time, as Liberty Media pushes organisers to pay an increased hosting fee with the current contract expiring next year.

Opinions in the paddock are divided on whether Monaco still suits modern Formula 1.

“The tradition is still there,” said former F1 driver Christian Klien. “I can’t really imagine a season without Monaco.”

“But the cars are too big, too long, and too wide. You simply can’t overtake. They were up to eleven seconds (per lap) slower than in qualifying while trying to finish the race on hard tyres.”

However, there were those who still enjoyed the 2024 Monaco GP, like former tyre engineer Kees van de Grint.

“I watched all 78 laps with fascination,” said the former Bridgestone and Ferrari engineer.

“The way the top four drove with such concentration, staying so close to each other, with such focus and without error for the strategies to work. It was also exciting because Charles Leclerc drove very tactically. So yes, I enjoyed it.”

But others are now busy proposing ideas on how to solve the problem for the future.

“For instance, the harbour chicane could be moved back, which would give more space for overtaking,” suggests Alex Wurz, who, since retiring as an F1 driver, is now involved in track design.

“I also know other tricks,” added the Austrian.

Marko is adamant: something must be done because “a slow procession distorts the image of F1 and the spectacle, and it won’t work in the long term.”

“They need to find something, whether in terms of the track or pit stops. The simplest would be to modify the layout; there are already plans and ideas. Meanwhile, for example, you could mandate everyone to stop twice, use only soft tyres, or use all three types of tyres. This would allow for different strategies.”

“In 2026, the rules will make the cars a bit narrower, but that won’t be enough to solve the problem.”

“But in my opinion, you can’t imagine Formula 1 without Monaco, as this track is to the F1 calendar what Ferrari is to other F1 teams. So, solutions must be found, even if it means combining several.”