By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Monaco will continue to host Formula 1 races until at least 2031 after a new six-year deal was agreed.
The date of the race moves from the end of May to the first week of June from 2026.
However, the track layout around Monaco’s ribbon of tarmac will not change. Formula One bosses have accepted that it is impossible to remodel the circuit despite the iconic venue struggling to offer overtaking opportunities given the larger size of modern F1 cars.
Prince Albert, Monaco’s ruler, and Stefano Domenicali, F1’s chief executive, met this week in Monaco, along with long-serving head of the influential Automobile Club de Monaco Michel Boeri, to complete the deal.
“I’m delighted that Formula 1 will continue to race in Monaco until 2031,” said Domenicali.
“The streets of Monte Carlo are unique and a famous part of Formula 1, and the Monaco Grand Prix remains a race that all drivers dream of winning.”
Crowds in Monaco are relatively small because of limited space while it pays a relatively small hosting fee compared to other races.
Overtaking is also notoriously difficult on the street circuit, leading to complaints about the quality of racing.
Boeri added: “The signing of this new agreement with the Formula One Group until 2031 not only confirms the strength of our relationship but reaffirms our commitment to offering all visitors an unrivalled, first-class experience at race weekends.
“The Monaco Grand Prix is the most important sporting event here and continues to attract hundreds of thousands of spectators to the principality and millions of global television viewers worldwide.”