Michel Boeri looks set to be sidelined as Monaco looks to secure his future on the Formula 1 grid.
Michel Boeri it looks like he will be sidelined as Monaco looks to secure his future on the Formula 1 grid.
A few days ago, Boeri – who has been president of the Automobile Club de Monaco since 1972 – warned that the legendary street race could be “dead” by the end of 2025 as F1 owners Liberty Media negotiate with more lucrative markets.
“For the Americans, what matters is the offer itself,” he told French sports daily L’Equipe.
It looks like Prince Albert II of Monaco is now stepping in with damage control.
“Stefano Domenicali AND Greg Maffei told me how they see the future of Formula 1,” the Duke said. “They want to make racing more dynamic and attractive, but they have made it clear that a season without Monaco is impossible.
“You can’t just treat Monaco like any other track. Of course, there are difficult moments in negotiations when parties are engaged in a tug-of-war and that needs to change.
“There are agreements that we cannot cancel, we have limited space for the race, but I am confident that the parties will come to a compromise,” added Prince Albert II.
Last week at the Monte Carlo Grand Prix, F1’s major players also expressed concern about the future of the Monaco GP – particularly the near-impossibility of overtaking with today’s bigger and heavier cars.
“I don’t think it’s because of the immediacy, but I think for the long-term viability of this place, everything has to evolve,” he said. Red Bull boss Christian Horner.
“You know, nothing stays put forever. It would be great to see if it is possible to introduce genuine overtaking opportunities on the track or adapt the track over time.”
Some organizational changes to the Monaco GP have already been introduced, related to sponsorship and the way the race will be broadcast.
“In 2025, we will reassess the situation, mainly discussing sponsorship, television production and merchandising,” said Prince Albert II.
“Both sides are interested in this. A new era in the history of the Monaco Grand Prix begins. (Bernie) Ecclestone’s time is up. We must move forward and look to the future.
“I don’t blame Michel Boeri for having a hard time adapting to the new situation, but it might be better now if someone else is negotiating on behalf of ACM.”
