Verstappen slates current cars but Monaco still worthy of F1 place

Max Verstappen has declared Monaco worthy of its place on the F1 calendar given its historic value even if the race has outgrown the principality venue.

The future of the Monaco Grand Prix has been long debated due to the turgid nature of a race that lacks overtaking and is too tight for the circuit's tight, narrow streets

The speculation over the event's future has increased further this year given its contract is up for renewal.

Expressing his opinion on the divisive subject, reigning F1 champion Verstappen said: "If they would propose the plans nowadays with how the track layout is, probably it would not be on the calendar.

"But I think because of the historic value to it and the amazing weekends we have had throughout the years, I think it belongs on the calendar.

"Of course, with the cars we have now, they are a bit too big, a bit too long, a bit too heavy for the track layout but it is something special and I do think we should continue."

F1 is Monaco

Monaco is one of the longest-standing events on the F1 calendar, initially featuring in the sport's maiden 1950 season.

Since 1955, the race has only been off the calendar once after it was cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic.

Agreeing with Verstappen's stance, Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz added: "When you think about Formula 1, a lot of people think about Monaco.

"It would be nice to put an overtaking place [somewhere], I'm not going to lie. I would like this and the show could be a bit better on Sunday.

"But even if not, I still think everyone knows the weekend here is about qualifying and the pit stops. Everyone is already expecting that so we are not missing out on much."

Competing in only his second Monaco Grand Prix, Mick Schumacher joked: "If we were to exchange it for the German Grand Prix, I think we would take the German Grand Prix - or at least I would."

Additional reporting, Ian Parkes

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