Formula One’s illustrious race in Monaco ‘is at risk of being AXED from the calendar’ with concerns mounting that the sport has ‘outgrown the harbour – and the circuit paying NOTHING to host the glitzy event’
- The Monaco Grand Prix is known for its glitz, glamour and trackside celebrities
- However, according to reports, the race could now be struck from the calendar
- Fears that the sport has outgrown the space around the harbour have mounted
- The circuit pays nothing to F1 to host, a situation that has not gone ‘unnoticed’
Formula One’s illustrious race in Monaco is at risk of being axed from the calendar, reports say, with concerns mounting the event has begun to lose its sparkle.
Held in Monte Carlo, the blockbuster showpiece is renowned for its glitz and glamour, as well as the host of celebrities who flock trackside to take in the action.
But, according to The Sun, the sport may have now outgrown the circuit.
The motorhomes used by teams have increased in size, while it has also been reported that there is a struggle to accommodate guests in the nearby hotels.
The situation becomes even more staggering in light of the revelation that Monaco does not pay any fees to F1 for the rights to host a race on a yearly basis.
Formula One’s illustrious race in Monaco is at risk of being axed from the calendar, reports say
The likes of Lewis Hamilton (above) and Max Verstappen may not take to the circuit next year
Both Saudi Arabia and Qatar splash out $50million every time their tracks come into play, and the same outlet says Monaco’s lowly contribution ‘has not gone unnoticed’.
Currently, the season is limited to just 24 races, meaning it is not impossible that the famous harbourside motor race is removed from the calendar.
It could, theoretically, make a return on a rotational basis, like Spa and Imola.
Celebrities often flock to the showpiece (above: Serena Williams waving the chequered flag)
Monaco, however, is the venue where money-spinning deals were agreed upon.
Sponsors are said to have relished the opportunity to travel there, and the teams have also not been afraid to network in front of the jaw-dropping scenery.
The Sun claim that, because contracts were often agreed upon over dinner in the principality, F1 chose to always retain the race, despite the track being worn.
They have pointed out the changes in the sport under their Liberty Media owners, who have now been inclined to select other races for corporate gatherings.
Teams and drivers have typically enjoyed the picturesque surroundings around the harbour
Miami played host to a Grand Prix recently, and Las Vegas will feature next year.
Both these cities do not suffer from the same accommodation problems at Monte Carlo, either, handing them an advantage in their bid to remain part of F1.
A senior account manager, one in charge of looking after a big sponsor, has told The Sun that they are struggling to house their guests ahead of this weekend’s race.
They have also admitted that many are now weighing up whether to attend at all.
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