Why all signs point to F1’s Monaco special relationship continuing

While Formula 1 has never lost its ability to create other-worldly experiences, Monaco has a particular knack of offering up pinch-yourself moments. I’ve experienced a few over the years, perhaps most surprisingly when Brad Pitt shook my hand and thanked me “for everything”. I never worked out what “everything” was, but 
I said it was no trouble.

This year’s moment came while sipping champagne on a yacht and chatting to Prince Albert. Grace Kelly’s son smiled, shook hands and exchanged a few pleasantries. It’s hard for current generations to appreciate how big a superstar Grace Kelly was, never mind understand how her marriage to Prince Rainier in 1956 caused a sensation. Graham Hill, Mr Monaco himself, explained that the opportunity to gain a kiss from the new Princess was reason enough to win the race around the streets of the Principality.

The aura created by Hollywood glamour combined with European royalty continues to this day, one of the reasons Mediterranean cruise ships ensure Monte Carlo remains a stop. Throw in the grand prix, a home race for half the grid, and a sprinkling of A-listers who nip up from the Cannes Film Festival, and its appeal remains.

This year the talk was all about the Monaco Grand Prix’s future. The online chit-chat was dominated by the usual debate about the lack of overtaking: a vocal minority bemoaning the continued presence of a high-speed procession masquerading as a race. Off-line, in the corridors of power at F1 and the Automobile Club of Monaco, the conversation was about rights fees, circuit advertising, race dates, local TV direction and, yes, the track layout.

The Principality is permanently building, rebuilding and tunnelling glistening structures every year. F1 cars no longer skirt the ocean at Portier. That has been reclaimed for development. F1 asking for a few metres extra to allow for a genuine overtaking place would seem to be both reasonable and achievable. Solutions will be found. There are too many enthusiastic interests to ensure that happens.

Back on the yacht, Prince Albert was in conversation with Greg Maffei, President and CEO of Liberty Media, owner of F1. Beside them Brisa Carleton, CEO of the Princess Grace Foundation, was announcing the Grace Influential Impact Award, an annual prize which will be awarded to the F1 team which demonstrates the highest commitment to pioneering efforts in areas including diversity, inclusion, philanthropy and sustainability. 

Prince Albert is a passionate supporter of Formula 1

Photo by: Erik Junius

In front of a select group of team principals and team representatives Prince Albert explained Grace Influential’s goal is to recognise F1 teams for the positive impact they can have on society. Meanwhile Maffei stepped forward to welcome the award as
 grand prix racing strives to achieve its net zero carbon target by 2030. Considering the contract to host a race expired the following Sunday, this felt like the opposite of a wake, more a genteel affirmation of the importance of the relationship between F1 and Monaco.

Also present was Cristiana Pace, formerly of Williams Advanced Engineering but more recently known for her roles working with the FIA’s Safety and Sustainability commissions and CEO of sustainability consultancy Enovation. She is one of the prime movers behind motorsport organisations seeking to achieve environmental accreditation and develop sustainability strategies.

Considering the ambitions both F1 and Monaco have for the future, dispensing
 with Europe’s iconic street race appears highly unlikely. There are rather more pressing matters ahead for F1 and 
the countries it visits.

F1 and Monaco have a long history and it's in the interests of both parties to continue it

Photo by: Alfa Romeo