Monte Carlo or Bust?

Once again all eyes were fixed on the streets of Monte Carlo last weekend as Formula One’s crown jewel took place, the Monaco Grand Prix. Lauded for its glitz and glamour, to those who watched, we were hoping for an eye-catching race that matched the scenery on view. Nevertheless, if you are like me, you might have felt a little short-changed by last weekend’s proceedings.

I enjoy the unique variances that each Formula One race provides us from a viewing perspective, and think those at the helm in Formula One have got the balance right in staging races from the spectacular and novel, to the challenging and demanding. However, I do feel the Monaco Grand Prix is in danger of not necessarily falling into this progressive category. I would even go as far to say that I actually do not look forward to the Monaco Grand Prix, when I know it is the next race on the F1 calendar. 

Now to some of you reading this, you might be wondering what on earth I have been drinking to make such a statement. But lets be honest, the Monaco Grand Prix is nothing more than a well staged dazzling procession, where the cars involved have little or no chance to overtake. A race where the qualifying positions are king, and the starting grid near enough replicates the finishing places of the cars. Where is the excitement in watching such an occurrence? I for one would like to see a bit of racing in my motor sport.

In addition, what also dampens my enthusiasm of the grand prix, is the circuit’s narrow streets which I feel harms the natural flow of the contest from a watching viewpoint. Why you may ask? Well, with little or no runoff area in a built up region and the track being so tight in terms of width space, any accident that arises is likely going to result in the race temporarily being halted. Usually by the means of the safety car, or the race being suspended altogether for particular period of time.

Now employing such measures is not exclusive episode to the Monaco GP, we often see the use of the safety car or race being brought to a standstill at many other track venues. But these precautions are going to be slightly more frequent on the Monaco circuit, as the clean-up operation is going to be that more prolonged when an accident occurs before the race can continue. And more importantly, the safety of a driver or drivers involved in an incident is always the primary point of concern, and should never be hurried for the sake of the race to resume at full pace.

But as we saw in this year’s event, such a scenario occurred both in the qualifying and the race itself. Negatively affecting the strategies of the drivers and teams particularly at the top end, and dramatically influencing who won the race and how it was won. Should this be the way a prestigious race is concluded, especially when matched up to the efforts Formula One is putting together in trying to make its races more exciting and competitive?    

Barring its picturesque settings, should the F1 road show by-pass the principality of Monaco altogether as a consequence in reviewing the points mentioned? Personally I think maybe it is time. Or at the very least, Formula One needs to make impactful positive changes to how the Monaco Grand Prix is run. Because for far too long the event has been in need of adjustments, and more thrilling than what we saw last weekend as an example. 

Newly introduced races in Abu Dhabi and Singapore, and modern complexes being built on-site at many of the tracks featured, have helped F1 be fresh and current. Monaco needs to keep pace in its exhilaration or be a relic of the past. Though on a personal note, if the sport could still retain the beautiful scantily-clad ladies that we often see circling around the track that would be great!