Las Vegas and Monaco, two (very different) sides of the same coin in F1. Both spokespersons for the glamorous soul of Formula 1, both flashy and excessive, both “specialties” on the calendar. One historic, having hosted the first Grand Prix in 1929, almost a hundred years ago. The other an absolute novelty, only arriving this year but already destined to stay for a long time.
The comparison between the streets of Sin City and those of the Principality is not forced by the characteristics of the circuit. They are both urban, obvious, but the relationship between the two does not depend directly on the configuration of the track. To understand the reasons behind this “clash,” one must reflect on the very existence of the Monaco Grand Prix.
Let’s start with a question: if Monaco were not on the calendar, and someone today thought of adding it, would that someone be taken seriously? The answer is simple, we don’t have to lie to ourselves: absolutely not.
The spectacle of the Monaco race has been lost for decades. The single-seaters have become progressively too large for the streets of the Principality. The chances of overtaking have progressively dropped to an almost absolute zero. So why has no decision-maker ever thought of removing it from the World Championship?
The sweet smell of money
The answer is straightforward: it’s business. Monaco has been, for a very long time, the chosen stage by sponsors to sign very lucrative contracts. Moreover, the Monaco GP weekend has always been the scene of events dedicated to these same sponsors, with an unparalleled flow of money compared to any other event in the Championship.
Those in charge of the commercial side of F1 have hinted, for a few years now, that business is shifting. Not only from Monaco, actually, but from the entire European continent. And if the economic side falls, in a context that has already stopped offering a spectacle, what remains?
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A Formula 1 enthusiast might be ready to answer that history alone is enough to defend Monaco. The difficulty of the circuit, a true test of the drivers’ skills. The Saturday, hosting the most exciting qualifying of the year. Yet, the masterminds of the sport have already clearly declared (and demonstrated) that all this means nothing.
“Viva Las Vegas”
From a business perspective, Las Vegas is the natural evolution of Monaco. It’s a stage for the rich and VIPs, offering an extraordinary stage for sponsors of all kinds, and, according to early reports, has proven capable of becoming the most successful event in the city’s history. And from a sporting perspective? With a remarkable 99 overtakes, it’s the (dry) race that has recorded the most since China 2016.
We must be very cautious with judgments about the race, of course. It’s only the first event; one will have to judge over the long term. But the premises are excellent, and the future of Sin City is brighter than ever, despite many controversies.
Liberty Media has emphasized several times that history alone is not enough to stay in Formula 1. While it may seem sacrilegious that circuits like Monza or Spa-Francorchamps have to adapt to the times to stay in the sport, Monaco doesn’t even have this option. It is undeniably an anachronistic race that no longer offers a spectacle for the average viewer (and sometimes not even for the avid fan).
If the economic side of the stage collapses, Monaco is left with only history. But for how long will that be a good enough reason to stay in a calendar that expands and renews season after season?
Source: f1ingenerale
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