Formula 1 on Thursday announced the extension of the Monaco GP till the end of 2031. The Liberty Media-owned company and Automobile Club of Monaco agreed on a multi-year term that runs through the 2025 season.
While this could be delightful news for Monaco natives, a majority of fans were not happy with it as they shared their reactions on social media.
The Monaco GP has been one of the most esteemed events around the globe for ages. The Grand Prix has been a part of the Formula 1 calendar since 1950 and has hosted the race every year since 1955.
The Circuit de Monaco around the Principality, located near the banks of the French Riviera, puts drivers into an ultimate test of concentration and skill. They need to find their way through the narrow streets equipped with sharp turns and the famous Loews hairpin.
Five of the 20 current drivers — Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso, Sergio Perez, and Charles Leclerc have won a race in one of the most anticipated tracks on the calendar. Even though the Monaco GP has all the glitz, glamour, and massive viewership, fans are far from happy with the extension.
The reason? The 2024 Monaco GP. It was the race that barely saw any overtakes, and the most astonishing part? All ten drivers who started from P1 to P10 finished their races in the same places.
As the announcement surfaced on the internet, fans called F1 out for signing extension with “70-odd” laps of no overtakes. Here are some reactions taken from X:
Reacting to the announcement, a fan wrote, “78 laps of ZERO overtakes. I can’t wait!!!”
Another fan wrote, reiterating the same, “70-something laps of zero passing, nice.”
A fan wrote about an alternative route, “I get the history but it’s not the most exciting race of the year. This is one of the tracks that should be changed out every other year.”
Another fan had nothing but a jeer, “booooooo.”
“Absolutely horrible call. It’s the most boring Grand Prix of the year – by far. They’re driving through the streets of Monaco as if it’s one big traffic jam,” wrote another fan.
The announcement has come amid the tension of the removal of multiple renowned tracks such as the Spa-Francorchamps, Zandvoort, and Imola.
Formula 1 CEO on Monaco GP extension: ‘New era of partnership’
Formula 1 Chief Executive Officer and President Stefano Domenicali was a delighted man following F1’s multi-year extension of Monaco GP. Citing the year-long partnership, Domenicali stated that the new agreement will be a new era for the sport and Monaco.
“I’m delighted that Formula 1 will continue to race in Monaco until 2031,” Domenicali said as per F1.com. “The streets of Monte Carlo are unique and a famous part of Formula 1, and the Monaco Grand Prix remains a race that all drivers dream of winning.”
“I would like to extend a special thanks to H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, Michel Boeri, President of the Automobile Club of Monaco, and everyone involved in the extension of this important partnership. This agreement signals a new era of partnership and innovation between Formula 1 and Monaco,” he added.
The 2025 Monaco Grand Prix is set to take place from May 23 to May 25 and will be the sport’s 75th Official anniversary.