Ecclestone - F1 'doesn't have the balls to drop Monaco'
Ecclestone - F1 'doesn't have the balls to drop Monaco'
Former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone does not believe the sport has "the balls" to lose the Monaco Grand Prix from its calendar.
The future of the race has been drawn into sharp focus of late given the addition of other street venues in Miami and Las Vegas, and with its contract up for renewal after this weekend's race.
On one side is the history, glamour and location of F1's renowned 'jewel in the crown' but on the other is the fact the circuit is no longer fit for purpose as a race track other than providing a one-lap spectacle in qualifying.
It is a debate that will continue to rage until the point when a new deal is signed, with suggestions it could even alternate with another of Europe's venues.
Ecclestone, however, would be astonished if the race was shelved.
"I don't think anyone's got the balls to take that race away from Monaco," said Ecclestone, speaking to Reuters.
The 91-year-old, who confirmed speaking with Automobile Club de Monaco president Michel Boeri on Thursday, added: "They are still super, super happy and confident with everything without any drama.
"So I don't see any problems there at all. Whether it's the worst race or the best race or whatever, it's the crown jewels."
Reflecting on the recent Miami Grand Prix, and its attempts to look like Monaco with its fake harbour and beach, Ecclestone added: "Look at Miami. That wasn't a Formula One race.
"It could have been a local club race, couldn't it. They had those boats in the car park, trying to make it look like Monaco."
Related
Change your timezone:
Latest News
F1 News Today: McLaren boss keen for stunning REUNION as Horner BLAMED for Newey nightmare
- 35 minutes ago
F1 Miami Grand Prix weather forecast - latest today
- 1 hour ago
F1 rival makes stunning Hamilton 'best' claim despite poor form
- 2 hours ago
F1 star emerges as SHOCK target for Audi
- 3 hours ago
Hamilton F1 rival makes astonishing admission with Verstappen claim
- Today 11:57
McLaren boss keen for stunning Alonso REUNION
- Today 10:57
Related news
F2/F3 Power Rankings - Verstappen Monaco display BEATEN by rising star
FIVE thing we learned from Monaco - as Mercedes find out their chances of 2023 wins
F1 MUST make these changes to SAVE Monaco or say goodbye to the 'crown jewel'
Marko makes ‘INCREDIBLE’ claim over Verstappen barrier contact during Monaco GP
F1 Standings
Drivers
- Oliver Bearman
- Charles Leclerc
- Carlos Sainz
- Lando Norris
- Oscar Piastri
- Pierre Gasly
- Esteban Ocon
- Sergio Pérez
- Max Verstappen
- Alexander Albon
- Logan Sargeant
- Lewis Hamilton
- George Russell
- Nico Hülkenberg
- Kevin Magnussen
- Fernando Alonso
- Lance Stroll
- Valtteri Bottas
- Zhou Guanyu
- Daniel Ricciardo
- Yuki Tsunoda
Races
- Gulf Air Grand Prix of Bahrain 2024
- Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Australia 2024
- MSC Cruises Grand Prix of Japan 2024
- Grand Prix of China 2024
- Miami Grand Prix 2024
- Gran Premio dell'Emilia Romagna 2024
- Grand Prix of Monaco 2024
- Grand Prix du Canada 2024
- Gran Premio de España 2024
- Grand Prix of Austria 2024
- Grand Prix of Great Britain 2024
- Grand Prix of Hungary 2024
- Grand Prix of Belgium 2024
- Heineken Dutch Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Italy 2024
- Grand Prix of Azerbaijan 2024
- Grand Prix of Singapore 2024
- Grand Prix of the United States 2024
- Gran Premio de la Ciudad de Mexico 2024
- Grande Prêmio de São Paulo 2024
- Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix 2024
- Qatar Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi 2024
About GPFans
GPFans is a multi-platform, multi-language brand dedicated to Formula One coverage. We bring you all the ins and outs of the sport, 24/7, everything from up-to-the-minute news and features to the latest viral stories and clips.We believe that a new generation of exciting, outspoken drivers will make F1 more popular than ever before, and we want to give our users access to as much of their heroes as possible, on and off the track. From Lewis Hamilton to Max Verstappen, Daniel Ricciardo to Sebastian Vettel, we provide in-depth analysis of every every Grand Prix in the season, from Australia to Abu Dhabi.
With Formula One under the new ownership of Liberty Media, how the sport is being covered is evolving, and GPFans will look to be at the heart of this progression into new media, as one of the fastest-growing sites covering the king of motorsports.
Follow us on your favorite social media channel
Corporate & Media
Innovatieweg 20C7007 CD, Doetinchem, Netherlands
+31645516860