The future of the Monaco Grand Prix remains shaky whether we like it or not, as contract negotiations between the Automobile Club of Monaco and Formula 1 have not yet led to any solutions.
Now, HSH Prince Albert has directly intervened in these troubled talks, claims long-time Monaco resident and 2016 F1 World Champion Niko Rosberg.
While the current F1 calendar has already expanded to include a record number of 23 races in a year, it seems more than likely that the number of races in 2023 will be increased to 24, to make room for one more Grand Prix. This should suggest that there will be some breathing room for the Monaco GP next year. However, the sheer demand from potential new hosts leaves the sport’s owner, Liberty Media looking beyond tradition and towards profit.
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali told Liberty Media’s investors that demand from potential new grand prix hosts is “very, very high,” fueling speculation that other famous venues, such as Paul Ricard and Spa may also be at risk of losing their GPs.
Arguably the most famous race of the calendar is the one held in the Principality, but this is also the least lucrative one for Liberty Media, as Monaco enjoys uniquely beneficial contract terms that reduce the price in recognition of the event’s importance.
That recognition is now at risk of no longer being so recognised, and the Monaco GP organisers, the ACM, remain engaged in negotiations with Domenicali, but are said to have taken a tough stance.
“Prince Albert personally intervened in the negotiations because the representatives of the Automobile Club continue to play very hard and firm,” Rosberg is quoted by German motorsport site motorsport-total.com as saying, before adding that “In such a case, an intermediary was clearly needed to help both parties – in this case, the Formula 1 bosses and the leadership of the club – come to a common denominator.”
“Prince Albert is now taking an active part in the negotiations because the Monaco GP is so historic but also the most spectacular and glamorous race of the season. It must continue,” the German insisted, “but it is clear that the organisers will have to adapt. For example, you often see advertising banners of companies that are the direct competitors of Formula 1 sponsors. So yes, it’s a difficult situation that they need to look for a way out of.”
NEWS.MC previously reached out to the ACM for a comment regarding the contract discussions, and were told that the question of whether or not the Monaco GP will be held in 2023 is one that should not be asked.