Formula 1 has agreed another contract extension for the Monaco Grand Prix less than a year since its announcing last deal.
The latest deal extends Monaco’s presence on the F1 calendar by a further four years. F1 will continue to race at the principality until at least 2035.
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said the Monaco Grand Prix “is an iconic race that is loved by all drivers and fans, with a unique vibe thanks to its location on the world’s most glamorous principality.
“I would like to say a special thank you to His Serene Highness, Prince Albert II of Monaco, Michel Boeri, President of the Automobile Club of Monaco and everyone involved in securing the long-term future of this historic partnership.”
The difficulty of overtaking in Monaco has become a focus of concern in recent years, particularly since a 2017 rules change increased the width of F1 cars from 1.8 metres to two. Next year’s rules will reduce the maximum width to 1.9m.
F1 introduced a special new rule for this year’s Monaco Grand Prix, forcing drivers to change tyres twice instead of just once. This resulted in a highly unusual race where several teams ordered their drivers to lap slowly and hold up rival cars in order to ensure their team mates ahead could complete their mandatory pit stops without losing positions.
Race winner Lando Norris was among those who criticised the rule, describing it as an attempt to “manufacture” racing. Other drivers said the rule “backfired” and called the race “ugly”, but Domenicali defended the race.
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The regulation remains in the rule book for 2026 but may be revised before the season begins.
Monaco is one of the longest-running races on the grand prix calendar, having been part of the first world championship in 1950. Following a brief absence from the schedule it returned in 1955 and has held a race every year since, except in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
This article will be updated.
