2016 F1 world champion Nico Rosberg has revealed that Prince Albert of Monaco has involved himself in negotiations around the future of the Monaco Grand Prix.
The race in the Principality is one of the oldest on the calendar, and it has played host to 79 races over the years, 68 of which have taken place in the championship era.
Some of the most famous names in the history of motorsport, such as Ayrton Senna, Juan Manuel Fangio, Sir Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel and many more have won the race, which has been a permanent fixture since 1955.
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It only missed the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the affection shown towards it by the drivers during its year off was indicative of the special place that Monaco has in the hearts of so many that are involved with racing.
Now though, it is under serious threat as F1 looks to tap into other global markets, leaving less room for some much-loved venues around the world.
Spa Francorchamps is another that is in trouble, while Silverstone and Monza have deals that run until 2024 – there is as yet no guarantee that they will be extended.
With Vegas coming back into the picture next season to join Miami and Austin in the list of races in the United States, the schedule is getting crowded.
Monaco and Spa do not currently have a deal in place for 2023, and with Monaco having hosted the final race of its contract last season, it has now fulfilled the emergency one-year extension it was given.
Rosberg, who won the race three times in his career, has divulged that Prince Albert is acting as a go-between so that all parties can reach a satisfactory deal for the race to continue.
“Prince Albert personally intervened in the negotiations because the representatives of the automobile club continue to play very hard and firm,” he said.
“In such a case, an intermediary was clearly needed to help both parties—in this case, the Formula 1 bosses and the leadership of the club—come to a common denominator.
“Prince Albert is now taking an active part in the negotiations because the Monaco GP is so historic but also the most spectacular and glamorous race of the season.”
The German indicated that the sponsorship of the race in Monte Carlo is currently one of the snags that are holding up the deal.
“It must continue but it is clear that the organizers will have to adapt, for example, you often see advertising banners of companies that are the direct competitors of Formula 1 sponsors,” stated Rosberg.
“So yes, it’s a difficult situation that they need to look for a way out of.”
F1 has planned a 24-race season next year, and the Kyalami Circuit in South Arica has been tipped to make its return.