F1 has ‘won’ a battle against the organization of the Monaco Grand Prix by taking charge of television production of the race for the first time in history for its 2023 edition, which will take place on the last weekend of May.
Until this year, the Tele Monte Carlo company had always been in charge of producing the programme, however, Liberty Media, the American company that owns Great Circus since 2017, managed to keep the program for the small screen, as it was the only One that was missing, because the only Monegasque event did not want to ‘release’ the television broadcast for Formula 1 like all other Grands Prix.
A key point that allowed this success for the category was the contract renewal talks with the Principality GP, which expires in 2022, so on this occasion the Automobile Club de Monaco will be able to retain the privileges it has for being the most traditional. One of them had to leave. Street races on the calendar.
Monaco Grand Prix: what privileges do you have?
The Monaco GP is one of the mandatory stops each year, and the need for a second has always received preferential treatment from F1, especially during Bernie Ecclestone’s long administration, however, after the series’ purchase by North American company Liberty Media. In addition, he wants all Grands Prix to be treated equally, a position that has caused much friction between the parties, as Formula 1 still cannot take full control of the competition.
Among the concessions that the race still retains are the fact that it does not contribute money to the organization, the presence of the famous ‘grid girls’ who have been virtually extinct throughout the calendar, as well as the sponsorship of Tag Heuer, A watch brand that is in direct competition with Rolex, one of the most important sponsors of Formula 1.
Why is the Monaco GP so prestigious?
The Monaco Grand Prix is one of the most spectacular races and one of the few that was held in the first season of the Grand Circus in 1950 and continues to this day. Although it has not been on the calendar continuously, it has existed since 1955 (with the exception of 2020 due to the pandemic).
The event’s great tradition is largely due to its age, as it has been held since 1929, long before the birth of F1. Likewise, it is unique for being the shortest, slowest and most difficult due to its peculiar street layout, which has seen the best drivers in history fill up with glory.
