Wolff insists F1 needs Monaco

Wolff, Russell and Briatore in Monaco — Photo: © LAT Images

Monaco Grand Prix

Wolff insists F1 needs Monaco

Monaco is now out of contract with F1

Sam Hall

Tuesday 31 May 2022 05:00 Updated: 12:06

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has claimed F1 "needs Monaco" with the iconic circuit now out of contract.

The future of the Monaco Grand Prix remains uncertain with no deal agreed to ensure the principality remains on the calendar.

Speaking in April, president of the Automobile Club de Monaco [ACM] Michel Boeri insisted that reports of a potential axing were untrue and said: "People have talked about supposed difficulties after this year to stage Grand Prix races, with Liberty's price demands said to be too much for Monaco and that our GP would be no more.

"That is false. We are still in talks with them and now we have to make it concrete by signing a contract."

But it has become clearer that there are hurdles to overcome for both the ACM and F1, but Wolff suggested: “I think there is a commercial debate to be held but both parties clearly will find a compromise because we need Monaco and Monaco needs Formula 1.

“With the track layout, maybe it is wishful thinking."

Wolff suggests Monaco changes

Considering the changes that could be made to the layout given the tight confines of the principality, Wolff: “I wouldn’t know where else we can drive other than around these roads and the tunnel is already fast but I don’t know what can be done.

“Maybe we can just get rid of the chicane at the exit of the tunnel and make it a long straight and then Tabac – I don’t know. No, Tabac would be too fast so maybe some braking there.

“This here is the track designer speaking who has no clue!”