



F1 extends Monaco GP through to 2035


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Monaco Grand Prix Secures Its Future: Formula 1 Extends the Race to 2035
The glittering streets of Monte Carlo have just added another decade to their storied relationship with Formula 1. At a press conference held in the heart of the principality, Formula 1 announced that the Monaco Grand Prix will remain on the championship calendar through 2035, a move that keeps the race – the oldest and one of the most glamorous on the sport’s calendar – alive long after the 2025 end‑of‑contract speculation had begun.
A Deal That Extends History
The 2024 season’s Monaco GP – held on May 11 – was the last race of the 2023 calendar, a circuit that has never been altered since 1955. It was widely understood that, in the absence of a new agreement, the race would be phased out in 2025 to make way for a more “modern” venue in the growing Middle‑East and East‑Asian markets. Instead, a new contract, signed by Formula 1 Group, the Principality of Monaco, and its partner organisations, will ensure that the race is run through 2035.
The new agreement, signed at the F1 Board meeting in November, guarantees the event’s place on the 2025‑2035 calendars. “We are thrilled to keep Monaco on the calendar for another decade,” said the Formula 1 Group CEO at the time. “Monaco remains an essential part of our brand, and it is a unique blend of racing and glamour that we can’t do without.” The extension was hailed by the Prince of Monaco, who highlighted the economic and cultural benefits that the race brings to the principality’s tourism and global profile.
Financial and Operational Details
While the exact financial terms of the new deal were not disclosed, Formula 1 confirmed that the principality will continue to contribute significantly to the event’s costs. Under the new contract, Monaco will invest in maintaining and improving the circuit’s infrastructure – notably the historic tunnel, the high‑speed “Côte d’Azur” section, and the narrow “Meyer” stretch that has become a fan favourite.
In exchange, the race will receive an increased share of the sport’s global broadcast revenue. The principality will also receive additional sponsorship slots for local brands, ensuring that the race remains a key driver for Monaco’s tourism sector. This arrangement mirrors the model that Formula 1 used for other long‑running events such as the Singapore Grand Prix and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where local governments share in both costs and benefits.
Why Monaco Matters
The Monaco Grand Prix is the only F1 race held on a street circuit that still uses a true “start‑finish” straight rather than a temporary track. The 1.954‑kilometre circuit is famed for its tight corners, the iconic tunnel that cuts through the harbor, and the “Casino Square” grandstand that hosts celebrities, royalty, and high‑profile sponsors. The race is a social event as much as a sporting one, drawing a crowd that includes Formula 1’s most influential personalities and media.
“Monaco is a living legend,” said a representative from the Monaco Tourism Organization, who was quoted in the official press release. “The race is a major contributor to the principality’s tourism and branding. It’s a festival that showcases Monaco’s wealth and culture while also providing an unforgettable racing spectacle.”
Because the circuit is narrow and the cars are tightly packed, overtaking is notoriously difficult, making Monaco one of the most strategic races on the calendar. Drivers like Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, and Charles Leclerc have all had their share of memorable battles in Monte Carlo, and the 2024 race was no exception, with a dramatic podium finish that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
A Bigger Picture for F1
The extension of Monaco’s contract is part of a broader strategy by Formula 1 to secure its most historic venues while still expanding into new markets. With the calendar already featuring 23 races – from the traditional British GP at Silverstone to the high‑altitude Japanese GP at Suzuka – the 2035 extension of Monaco means that the sport is committed to preserving the heritage that has defined the series for decades.
FIA President Jean Todt, who was present at the announcement, remarked that “Formula 1 is built on a foundation of iconic venues that bring drama and tradition. By extending Monaco, we ensure that the sport continues to offer its fans something special beyond the typical high‑speed venues.”
The new contract also underscores F1’s dedication to sustainability and fan engagement. While the race is a major tourist attraction, the organisers have pledged to use the extended period to implement more environmentally friendly practices – from reducing carbon emissions of on‑track vehicles to using more recyclable materials in the grandstand.
Looking Forward
The Monaco Grand Prix will continue to be a staple of the Formula 1 calendar through 2035, with the next race scheduled for May 10, 2025. Fans can look forward to the same breathtaking circuit that has thrilled spectators for almost eight decades, now backed by a contract that secures its place in the sport’s history for the next ten years.
In an era of rapid change, the decision to extend Monaco’s contract reaffirms Formula 1’s reverence for its heritage. As the drivers, teams, and fans line up on the narrow streets of Monte Carlo, the race will remind the world that some things – like the roar of the engines and the sparkle of the Casini towers – are timeless.
Read the Full ESPN Article at:
[ https://www.espn.com/f1/story/_/id/46164354/f1-extends-monaco-gp-2035 ]