Chorus is Growing to Change F1 Monaco Grand Prix

The current format of the F1 Monaco Grand Prix "will not work in the long run," according to Red Bull's F1 consultant Dr. Helmut Marko.

Sunday's slow race that looked like little more than a parade in the Principality came at an awkward time, as Liberty Media is pushing organizers for a higher race fee as the current contract with Monaco expires after the 2025 race.

Opinions in the paddock are divided as to whether Monaco is still suitable for modern Formula 1.

"The tradition is still there," former F1 driver Christian Klien, who made 49 starts between 2004 and 2010, told Austrian media outlet Servus TV. "I can't really imagine a season without Monaco. But the cars are too big, too long and too wide. You simply can't overtake. They were up to 11 seconds (per lap) slower as they tried to finish the race on the hard tires."

However, there were those who still enjoyed the 2024 Monaco Grand Prix, including former tire engineer Kees van de Grint. "I watched the 78 laps with fascination," the former Bridgestone and Ferrari engineer said. "How the top four drove with such concentration, staying so close to each other with such focus and error-free. It was also exciting because (Charles) Leclerc drove so tactically. So yes, I enjoyed it."

But others are now busily coming up with ideas as to how to fix the problem for subsequent years.

"For example, the harbor chicane could be moved further back, which would give more space for overtaking," said Alex Wurz, who since retiring as an F1 driver is now involved with track design."

Red Bull's Marko is adamant that something must be done, because a slow process "distorts" F1 and the show and "will not work in the long run."

"They have to come up with something, either in terms of the track or the pitstops," he told Austrian media outlet Osterreich. "For example, you could make everyone use all three types of tires."