The layout of the Monaco Grand Prix track must be adapted to the “long-term feasibility” of the venue, as overtaking is currently “practically impossible”, says Red Bull Formula 1 team boss Christian Horner.
The famous road race, which was first held in 1929, has been modernized with the construction of a new pit facility. For 2023, the company has notably relinquished control of the often-maligned TV broadcast production and relinquished sponsorship and advertising following previous conflicts with Formula 1’s own partners.
However, the circuit structure has remained largely unchanged. This has seen the focus shift to qualifying as overtaking plays an important role, especially given the growth in F1 car size since 2017.
With Monaco now facing stiffer competition to stay on a packed Formula 1 calendar, and with Liberty Media signing new and potentially lucrative deals with Las Vegas, Miami and Qatar, calls are mounting from the paddock that the Principality’s circuit to be changed to future-proof overtaking itself.
Red Bull boss Horner felt that a race in Monaco would never be seriously considered if it were proposed for modern Formula 1. However, its historical value means it should stay on schedule, even if overtaking is “virtually impossible”.
He said: “It’s a unique event. Now, if someone came up with this track and came up with it, there would be no way we would be racing here. We drive here because it’s Monaco, for the history, for the heritage, for the setting, for everything.” the glamour.
“Monaco is an extremely important and extremely valuable part of the Grand Prix calendar. It’s always exciting to come to this venue.”
“All races have the same points, but some just have a special meaning and Monaco certainly does.”
Christian Horner, Red Bull Racing Team Principal
Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool
“Today, of course, the facilities have changed dramatically. If you look at the pits now compared to 10 years ago, or certainly 20 years ago, everything has improved.”
“The only thing that obviously hasn’t changed all that much is that the track and the cars are now so big that the prospect of overtaking in normal driving conditions is practically impossible.”
“So not because of the immediacy, but because of the long-term viability of this venue…nothing stands still forever.”
“Everything has to evolve. It would be great to see what is possible to introduce real overtaking opportunities on the track or to adjust the track over time.”
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However, Ferrari race director Laurent Mekies, who is about to join AlphaTauri as team principal, felt the famous lap should be left alone to keep the story alive.
He said: “In terms of the layout, I think it’s one of the reasons why overtaking is very difficult and we’re only concentrating on Saturday here. That makes this place unique in my opinion.”
“Personally, I will probably refrain from touching the route, also for historical reasons and to retain very characterful places like this.”