Monaco: Does it really still belong?

[VirtualBalboa]

Last year there were rumors that Monaco was getting kicked to the curb, though a contract renewal did happen and the race will continue until 2025. A lot of people, myself included, were happy with the news. But I've been coming around to the idea increasingly that the track isn't worth my time as a fan to see a race happen there. Reading the Gilles Villeneuve autobiography, it's clear that Monaco has been a bad track for actual formula racing since at least the 1970s. It's too processional, too narrow and lacking in hard braking zones to pass, and it has been that way for 50 years; that means it has been lousy twice as long as it was ever good.

I'm increasingly OK with the idea that we have other tracks now where insanely wealthy people can flaunt their money (Miami, Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi, etc) and thus Monaco doesn't need to be around anymore. Maybe do some exhibitions or run an F3 race a la Macau, but I'm ready to part with it and move on.

[Baulz]

It is a traditional race and needs to stay on the calendar. The cars over the last few years have gotten so big that is has gone from being really hard to pass to impossible. But qualifying is still pretty special to watch who can brush the walls and get away with it.

[KDS]

If the footage of Ayrton Senna's lap there in 1988 was available for you to watch, you might change your mind.

https://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsport/formula-one/f1-mythbusting-ayrton-sennas-epic-1988-monaco-gp-pole-position-lap/news-story/4d6a7c605350e1f016018a6c5f185379

[HeyDarHey]

Monaco may not provide for the best races for fans but it is a massive challenge for drivers - once compred to riding a bicycle through your living room at full speed. It's a place where drivers reflexes, vision and concentration is likely at the highest compared to any other race on the planet.

[VirtualBalboa]

If the footage of Ayrton Senna's lap there in 1988 was available for you to watch, you might change your mind.

https://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsp...018a6c5f185379

I've seen it many times. The problem is that it is qualifying. After qualifying and the inevitable crash into turn 1, that's pretty much it for Monaco. And it's been like that for longer than I've been alive.

[dalz]

Of course it doesn't belong, hasn't since the late '60s. Ridiculous circuit. But there's nothing like it. Does anyone really want it gone? The sanctioning fee is about $15mil, which means FREE. It's not going anywhere.

[Coastal Eddy]

I like it for the spectacle and atmosphere more than the actual race. An iconic site. The racing is hardly ever good. We get that. But it is a monster Spring time must for sun, glamour, glitz, wine, dine, and babes. There is nothing comparable. Stays.

[KDS]

I've seen it many times. The problem is that it is qualifying. After qualifying and the inevitable crash into turn 1, that's pretty much it for Monaco. And it's been like that for longer than I've been alive.

You mean you saw the race. You didn't see the lap itself as no footage is known to exist.

[Jakester]

I suspect the real reason for Monaco talk is Liberty's desire to extract a large sanctioning fee from Monaco who for years has essentially paid nothing for their race.

[Baulz]

I suspect the real reason for Monaco talk is Liberty's desire to extract a large sanctioning fee from Monaco who for years has essentially paid nothing for their race.

And they get to keep the money for the trackside ads, maybe that has changed recently but it always was the way in the past.

[atrackforumfan]

Monaco's response will be to tell Liberty to pound sand. F1 needs Monaco more.

"Grand Prix" racing is wherever Ferrari races and whoever races at Monaco.

[HeyDarHey]

I've seen it many times. The problem is that it is qualifying. After qualifying and the inevitable crash into turn 1, that's pretty much it for Monaco. And it's been like that for longer than I've been alive.

Again - you have to appreciate the technical aspects of driving this circuit. Everything comes to you 10 times faster then a normal road circuit. The ability for drivers to navigate in small spaces and avoid collision is incredible. For that (and more) it is one of the hardest drivers circuit on the calendar.

[HeyDarHey]

Monaco's response will be to tell Liberty to pound sand. F1 needs Monaco more.

"Grand Prix" racing is wherever Ferrari races and whoever races at Monaco.

They should pay something. If Liberty bolted it would be a shame but I would stand by them if Monaco can't cough up some bucks - I mean it's not like it's a poor nation.

[VirtualBalboa]

Again - you have to appreciate the technical aspects of driving this circuit. Everything comes to you 10 times faster then a normal road circuit. The ability for drivers to navigate in small spaces and avoid collision is incredible. For that (and more) it is one of the hardest drivers circuit on the calendar.

I get all of that. I do. What's true about Monaco is true of most street circuits, except I can't think of any this point where passing is so rare as Monaco. And honestly, they should pay up. They're a tax haven.

[Baulz]

The teams makes a ton of money off Monaco, they sign a lot of sponsor deals there. Despite Liberty not getting a big payment that weekend, the sport overall does.