The F1 solution to save BORING...read more

The F1 solution to save BORING…read more

The Monaco Grand Prix has long been considered the crown jewel of the Formula 1 calendar. With its glitz, glamour, and historic backdrop, it’s hard to beat the spectacle it offers. But beneath the prestige lies an uncomfortable truth: in terms of pure racing action, the Monaco GP has become one of the most uneventful events on the calendar. If someone proposed a new race with the characteristics of Monaco today, there’s little chance it would be approved.

Consider the fundamentals: an impossibly narrow street circuit, virtually no opportunities for overtaking, and a layout so tight that even a minor mistake can end a driver’s weekend. In the current era of Formula 1—with cars larger than ever and aerodynamics playing a pivotal role—the Monaco circuit has become more of a parade route than a racetrack. Once qualifying wraps up on Saturday, the finishing order is almost locked in for Sunday.

Imagine a hypothetical scenario: a new city wants to join the Formula 1 calendar and submits a proposal featuring a circuit that allows barely one car width in some corners, provides almost no room for passing, and relies heavily on luck, strategy, or weather for any shake-up in results. Stefano Domenicali, the CEO of Formula One Group, wouldn’t think twice before dismissing such a plan. It simply doesn’t align with the direction the sport is heading.

And yet, year after year, Monaco remains a fixture on the calendar. That’s largely due to its tradition and the unique setting it provides. There’s no denying the visual appeal of Formula 1 cars threading the needle through the tight corners of Monte Carlo, with the Mediterranean as a backdrop and superyachts lined up in the harbor. The event is as much about the off-track glitz as the on-track competition. But is that enough in the modern era?

Many fans and pundits believe something has to change. While the nostalgic and marketing value of Monaco remains significant, Formula 1 cannot ignore the need for actual racing spectacle. If fans tune in expecting wheel-to-wheel action and are instead met with a processional race with little drama or excitement, the sport risks diminishing its appeal.

So, what can be done? There are a few potential paths forward. One option is to redesign parts of the Monaco layout to create more overtaking opportunities. However, with the circuit running through public roads and hemmed in by buildings, this is easier said than done. Another suggestion is to introduce unique technical regulations just for Monaco—perhaps allowing smaller, more nimble cars or relaxed rules on tire choices or fuel loads to promote variation in strategies.

Some have even floated the idea of turning the Monaco Grand Prix into a time-trial or sprint-style event, breaking away from the traditional race format entirely. This could make the event more exciting without needing to alter the physical layout of the track.

Regardless of the solution, one thing is clear: Formula 1 needs to seriously reconsider how Monaco fits into the future of the sport. While heritage and history are important, they can’t be the sole reason to keep a race on the calendar. The competition must evolve to meet the expectations of modern audiences.

In short, if Monaco were a new venue pitching itself to Formula 1 today, it would likely be rejected without hesitation. That reality should be the wake-up call needed to modernize one of the sport’s most iconic but outdated races.