Formula 1 team bosses feel that F1 owners Liberty Media and Monaco Grand Prix organisers will be able to find a solution and settle their differences in order to sign a new contract for the event to take place in 2023 and the following seasons.
Many fans and figures inside the paddock are have been surprised to learn that the sport’s commercial rights holder is taking into consideration the possibility of removing from the Formula 1 calendar what is arguably the most historic and unique of all events: “What is also true is that we have more and more demands coming from everywhere in the world,” explained Alfa Romeo team principal Frederic Vasseur when asked about the issue ahead of the 2022 Monaco Grand Prix this weekend – “On our side, it’s difficult to imagine that we will do much more than 24 races.” – he added.
Indeed, Liberty wants to increase the number of races and expand the calendar to 24 events for the 2023 Formula One season, as Las Vegas, China’s potential return and maybe even Kyalami in South Africa considered for the next campaign. This means that traditional European venues such as Monaco, Spa-Francorchamps and Paul Ricard maybe no longer find a place on the calendar.
The situation is particularly complicated for Monaco given the fact that the current contract expires after the 2022 season. The deal between Formula 1 and the Monaco Grand Prix organisers, which was signed under the Bernie Ecclestone regime, includes important benefits for the Principality. For example, Monaco is allowed to manage its paddock club and the TV feed, while the deal also gives organisers the possibility to manage their own advertising – with the TAg Heuer contract clashing notably with Formula 1 sponsor Rolex.
The first round of negotiations between Monaco and former Ferrari boss Stefano Domenicali also included the possibility of deleting the chicane and modifying the Tabac corner to provide drivers with more passing opportunities: “Seriously, it’s important for everybody to find a deal,” said Frederic Vasseur – “But the show is rising up like hell and the demands of the teams are as well, so we have to find solutions. But I think everybody will agree on something.”
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German motorsport engineer Andreas Seidl also talked about the the Domenicali-led Liberty Media’s issue: “I’m sure he will find the right mix between keeping traditional races plus opening up all the opportunity for new venues,” said the McLaren team principal – “There’s a huge interest in Formula 1, but at the same time there’s a limit of how many races per year we can do. So of course financial considerations are very important as well. But I’m sure that Stefano will find the right solution in the end.” – Andreas Seidl concluded.
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