Is Monaco still up to date for Formula 1? The racing series deals with this question every year. But in the recent past, criticism of the Circuit de Monaco has become increasingly clear. Red Bull team boss Christian Horner also thinks: Something has to be done in the principality.
He says after this year’s Monaco Grand Prix: “Monaco is Monaco, and it’s there because of its history and its uniqueness. The only problem is: the cars are so big now that all the venues have to develop a little further.”
Horner doesn’t say it directly, but he suggests a change to the historical course when he says: “There needs to be an area where we could create some space for an overtaking maneuver” so that there is at least a theoretical chance of duels. “Because the emphasis is currently clearly on qualifying. That’s where the race is won or lost,” says Horner.
Horner would like an additional braking zone
Perhaps Monaco should consider moving parts of the route further out towards the Mediterranean. “I’m sure you can be creative there. With the amount of land that’s being piled up there, there has to be a way to install a larger braking zone somewhere.”
Otherwise, he could imagine making the first corner “a bit sharper or slower” to increase the chance of overtaking there, Horner said. “Maybe you can also extend the track a bit if there’s an option to have an extra kilometer and a hairpin. That would be phenomenal.”
“You might have to think about that when you have Monaco in mind for the next 20 years. We don’t want Monaco to fall behind. And right now you only have half a chance of overtaking in the race.”
Monaco should rebuild? This requirement is not new
All this is not new. There are plenty of suggestions as to how racing in Monaco could possibly be upgraded. And alternative course layouts were discussed particularly intensively before the contract was extended with Monaco last year, when the historic race track was actually in the air. Former Formula 1 driver Marc Surer also pondered ways to improve the Grand Prix.
However, Horner does not want to change the qualifying with a full field, although in the drivers’ briefing on Friday before the race there was discussion about sending the drivers onto the track in two groups. Horner says: It doesn’t have to be.
“In Monaco that’s part of it. Everyone wants the perfect lap and in the perfect conditions. But in Monaco you have to live with the traffic and work together with your team. That’s just how it is in Monaco. And if we make it too perfect, it will too sterile.”
Monaco set to stay on the calendar but…
It is therefore necessary to have a sure instinct when dealing with Monaco, if only because of the worldwide reputation that the Formula 1 Grand Prix enjoys there. Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff says: “Even without overtaking, it’s the most prestigious, glamorous and exciting course in the world, a spectacle.”
Horner agrees. Monaco is “absolutely” entitled to the Formula 1 racing calendar. “It’s part of Formula 1 history and therefore deserves its place. It’s a crown jewel in many ways. But because the sport is constantly evolving, no one can afford to stand still – including Monaco.”