The allure of a motor race around and through the streets of Monte Carlo rests on a few things. One, and the purists will appreciate this, the track has remained fundamentally the same since its first race in 1950, infusing the history of all the greats of the sport into every centimeter of tarmac. This is no mean feat in a world obsessed with advancement and change. A great case can be made for F1 retaining touchpoints to its heritage through legacy tracks such as Monaco.
The other great magnetism of Monaco is the utter skill and concentration it demands from drivers. With barrier-lined streets and peril just millimetres away, the skillfulness of completing a lap around the Anthony Noghes circuit, at full tilt, remains a sight to behold. But then there is the adage that all good things come to an end. And for a number of years now, this and other questions have been swirling around the Monaco Grand Prix. Amid the challenge and the historical prestige, there are glaring shortcomings. In 2024, a first-lap red flag meant drivers had a free change of tyres, and from there it was set fair. The top ten started and finished in the same positions, not exactly a thrilling afternoon of racing. In 2025, the powers that be, aka the FIA, introduced a mandatory two-stop strategy. In theory, it had some potential, but it fizzled into a mess of nothingness. Instead of amping up the spectacle, it stopped being about racing and became about pit stops and just how long the Williams drivers could hold up the pack. Nevertheless, some credit is due to the FIA for at least entertaining some ideas on how to improve the Monaco Grand Prix.
But perhaps therein lies the contradiction. Maybe there isn’t a way to salvage this race. There are suggestions for track modifications, others recommend mandated pit stops at specific points of the race, and others propose driver-controlled sprinkler systems, which are both wildly and sartorially suggested. Conceivably, track modification seems the likeliest to change things up. Though where exactly they’ll find the space to make such amendments is a different set of problems. Or what about adding bonus points for the most overtakes or fastest sectors in the race? No, it won’t solve the overtaking issue per se, but it could incentivise aggression and risk.
Here is another thought. Let’s leave the track as it is and approach it with a different mindset. Maybe Monaco needs to be reframed. Not every race needs to be a thriller, some can be a showcase. Let’s embrace Monaco’s identity fully and position it as a type of ‘Goodwood of Formula 1’. Include historic exhibitions, driver showcases, or timed challenges with vintage cars, which could complement the main race weekend and deepen fan engagement. What would you suggest?
