Is It Time for Formula 1 to Drop the Monaco Grand Prix?

The Monaco Grand Prix has long been esteemed as one of the premier events in motorsport. It stands alongside the Indianapolis 500 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans as a legendary race, celebrated for its rich history, glamour, and exclusivity.

However, within the framework of contemporary Formula 1, we must acknowledge a challenging reality: the Monaco Grand Prix has become the most lacklustre event on the schedule.

Charles Leclerc in his 2021 Ferrari

The question of whether the narrow, winding streets of Monte Carlo have ever truly facilitated quality racing is open to debate. Recent history offers little to support this idea. The last truly memorable Monaco Grand Prix arguably occurred in 1996, when Olivier Panis achieved a surprising victory under difficult weather conditions. Since then, the race has largely become a predictable procession, where Saturday's qualifying results almost entirely determine Sunday's outcome.

Even recent attempts to introduce excitement — such as the mandatory two-stop rule implemented in 2025 — have done little to alter the race's fundamental character. Strategy, rather than direct competition, has become the main point of interest, and even this is often hindered by the circuit’s inherent limitations.

Over the years, various proposals have emerged to rejuvenate Monaco. These range from extending the circuit — a logistical and architectural challenge — to more imaginative ideas like reversing the track direction. However, such suggestions are mere gimmicks. The core issue persists: Monaco is not well-suited to the scale, speed, and complexity of modern Formula 1 cars.

Monaco at night

Historically, Monaco has been as much about business as it has been about racing. The event has served as a vital platform for sponsor engagement, corporate hospitality, and media exposure. Yet in today’s global Formula 1 landscape, with races in Las Vegas, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, the sport no longer relies on Monaco for this purpose. These newer venues now offer significantly more in terms of spectacle, infrastructure, and — crucially — racing entertainment.

There is, however, a version of the Monaco Grand Prix that succeeds: the Formula E Monaco E-Prix. The smaller, more agile electric cars enable overtaking and transform Monte Carlo into an engaging race once more. Perhaps this is where the future of motorsport at Monaco lies — as a testing ground for emerging drivers and innovative series rather than as a traditional Formula 1 fixture.

If iconic circuits like Spa-Francorchamps are being rotated or considered for removal from the calendar, why should Monaco be exempt? As F1 grapples with stagnating viewership and an increasing demand for more dynamic races, the sport must prioritize quality over tradition. Monaco, despite its heritage, no longer meets that criterion.

It is time to move beyond nostalgia and make a decisive choice: retire Monaco from the F1 World Championship calendar and reimagine its role in motorsport entirely.