Monaco GP Fights Tooth & Nail to Retain Control Over F1 Racing

Six years ago, America-based Liberty Media bought controlling interest in F1 and changed the sport forever. With Liberty’s involvement, Formula 1 has become a popular sport in the US. And the popularity has brought plenty of monetary gains as well.

And we can credit part of the popularity to Netflix as well for their Drive to Survive series. The popularity surge brought on new investors and demands as Formula 1 has become a money-making machine. And in the modern era, as new tracks pop up every season, they threaten the classic ones. And with high fees to stay on the F1 calendar, we might see plenty of change.

Monaco Grand Prix under conflict with the F1 hierarchy

Automobile Club de Monaco president, Michel Boeri, is in tough negotiations with Liberty media. The future of the most famous race in Formula 1 is uncertain, with the contract ending after 2022.

With new negations in place, it seems that the essentials have been figured out. However, there are details that need to be worked upon. And these minute details entail more control over racing and race-related elements.

And Michel Boeri is not ready to give that control as he said, “That is to say, let them run the track, the commercials, the awards ceremony, the stewards – all of that. I’m sorry, but we still did 79 Grands Prix – unfortunately, I did 50 – as far as I’m concerned, it’s clear that I’m not close to following them in all their requests.” (translated using Google)

Boeri even criticized other tracks for giving up control to Liberty. He said, “When they manage to attract a new Grand Prix to themselves, they manage the track, the fame, the press accreditations, absolutely everything. Almost 80% of the European Grands Prix have given up everything. Maybe they receive compensation, I don’t know, but it’s the same everywhere.” 

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But that won’t be the case for Monaco, as Boeri understands the value of the track and its uniqueness. “Contrary to what Liberty thinks, the uniqueness of each race is essential,” added Boeri.

The real reason behind the Monaco Grand Prix delay

It took over an hour before the Monaco Grand Prix started from its scheduled time. And initially, the rain was believed to be the key factor in the delayed start.

However, as it turns out, a power failure at the circuit affected the start control systems. And without the race control systems, the race couldn’t have had a standing start. Exactly why we have a rolling start to the race.

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We saw another rolling start after the red flag. But the reason for that particular rolling start was entirely different. As there was a dry racing line on the track by lap 32, it would have been disadvantageous for some cars to start the race from a wet part of the track.