After years of rumours that the most emblematic circuit on the Formula 1 racing calendar could be shelved, the Automobile Club of Monaco has reached a new deal to host the iconic race until 2031 inclusive.
The news will come as a huge relief to not only fans of the Monaco Grand Prix, a mainstay on the Formula 1 World Championship calendar since the 1950s, but also to the Principality as a whole.
In recent years, persistent rumours have suggested that the legendary street circuit could be knocked off the list in favour of newer – and potentially bigger-grossing – locations. On top of these reports, the Automobile Club of Monaco (ACM) has been forced to bat away constant questions about how the track could be adapted or extended to enhance competitiveness and provide drivers with more opportunities to overtake.
Yet despite the criticism that the circuit and the ACM have endured, the appeal of the Monaco Grand Prix has never been stronger.
According to Formula1.com, “The 2024 weekend was watched by a cumulative audience of over 70 million fans and was the most-watched edition of the race in US history, and the third most-viewed F1 race of all time in the US.”
And what a race it was. For the first time in history, a homegrown driver in the form of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc won the Monaco Grand Prix. The shared joy and elation at the win were clear to see on the faces of Prince Albert II of Monaco and Leclerc as they embraced on the stage after the Monegasque anthem had rung out.
See more: F1: Charles Leclerc brings home the win at the Monaco Grand Prix
Now, the legend will live on for at least a further six years after Formula 1 and the Automobile Club of Monaco reached a new agreement to extend the Principality’s contract until 2031 inclusive.
A new era
“I’m delighted that Formula 1 will continue to race in Monaco until 2031,” said Stefano Domenicali, the president and CEO of Formula 1, after the news broke on 14th November. “The streets of Monte Carlo are unique and a famous part of Formula 1, and the Monaco Grand Prix remains a race that all drivers dream of winning.”
He added, “I would like to extend a special thanks to H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, Michel Boeri, President of the Automobile Club of Monaco, and everyone involved in the extension of this important partnership. This agreement signals a new era of partnership and innovation between Formula 1 and Monaco. It is the future-focused leadership of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco which will allow us to create an optimised calendar, reduce pressure on logistics, and decrease the environmental impact of our global championship as we continue the path towards our Net Zero goal by 2030.”
Meanwhile, ACM President Boeri shared, “I would particularly like to thank H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, Stefano Domenicali, and everyone involved in the extension of this contract. The signing of this new agreement with the Formula 1 Group until 2031 not only confirms the strength of our relationship but reaffirms our commitment to offering all visitors an unrivalled, first-class experience at race weekends.”
He concluded, “The Monaco Grand Prix is the most important sporting event here and continues to attract hundreds of thousands of spectators to the Principality and millions of global television viewers worldwide.”
Key dates for the future
The 2025 Monaco Grand Prix will be held between 23rd and 25th May. The event will mark the 75th anniversary of the Principality’s circuit official debut in Formula 1 racing.
From 2026 onwards, the Monaco Grand Prix will be held during the first full weekend in June.
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Main photo credit: Scuderia Ferrari Media Centre