Circuit layout change proposals

[S griffin]

It’s harder since strategy took over. It is still possible to overtake around Monaco, but they should have done something with the cars earlier. You really have to pick the right moment in Monaco and certainly it makes it more intriguing. I don’t see what you can change about the circuit. It’s a great test of man and machine

[Taxi645]

Another option would be to slightly increase the inward camber on the outside of corner 5. That way a car on the outside has some chance to hang on to the outside of that corner and have just enough car length along side to keep his nose in going into the turn 6 hairpin. Now what you see is that faster cars can get quite a fair bit along side after the short straight passed the casino, but there is no chance to stick to it.




Since it is a public road, the question is if this would be even possible. Probably not feasible.

[S griffin]

Of course Formula E managed to put on a good display round Monaco, but then again, due to the design of the cars, drivers are more prepared to stick it out and not worry too much about damage.

More telling is the historic GP put on there. Overtaking is easier with the 70s and 80s cars and that probably is due to the fact they are not as quick down the straight as the modern F1 cars, therefore it's easier to build up momentum. Whereas nowadays it seems more a sprint between corners

[crmalcolm]

Given the amount of proposals for change at Monaco being suggested - does that not confirm that Monaco is no longer fit for F1?

[Taxi645]

Originally Posted by crmalcolm

Given the amount of proposals for change at Monaco being suggested - does that not confirm that Monaco is no longer fit for F1?

Well there certainly is indeed a mismatch between the track and the current cars. 2026 cars will be a tiny bit more suitable I suspect, but probably not nearly enough to allow anything close enough to somewhat normal racing.

If nothing is possible with the layout, I fear for it's longer term prospects.

[Theunser]

Originally Posted by crmalcolm

Given the amount of proposals for change at Monaco being suggested - does that not confirm that Monaco is no longer fit for F1?

Or F1 is no longer fit for Monaco....

[crmalcolm]

Originally Posted by Theunser

Or F1 is no longer fit for Monaco....

Maybe.

I think we are nearing the point where F1 and Monaco have to part ways.....

[Mike Harte]

I may be wrong, but I believe that some people on here are overlooking the fact that Monaco is more of a huge social event with "racing" included rather than a normal Formula 1 race weekend, and where the glitterati gather to see and be seen.

Whilst that lasts I cannot envision it disappearing from the calendar no matter how the cars may or may not fit the circuit.

[VIVA GT]

I went with a group of mates on a camping holiday in the South of France in 1978 and managed to persuade them to take a day trip to Monaco (helped by another mate who was eager to visit the Casino). I was thrilled to be able to drive our car around 'the circuit' and took loads of photographs. In 1983 I went back to Monaco for the Grand Prix with another mate (staying on the same camp site as 5 years earlier). We took the train from Nice to & from Monaco every day and the sight & sounds of F1 around that circuit have lived with me ever since. (We were even able to walk through the tunnel during free practice, the Ferrari's sounded awesome!).
I will be sad if the venue is dropped from the calendar as it is most certainly an 'event', one that I am proud to say that I've been to (which is why, I suppose I'm bragging about it now!) However I do also see that without necessary changes (to the cars or the track), from a pure Motor Racing point of view it is becoming a little past it's sell-by-date.
I suppose the outcome will all boil down to the fact of whether The Monaco Grand Prix is considered as a motor race or a glamorous event.

[VIVA GT]

The dratted Double-Post got me!

[chillibowl]

Originally Posted by Mike Harte

I may be wrong, but I believe that some people on here are overlooking the fact that Monaco is more of a huge social event with "racing" included rather than a normal Formula 1 race weekend, and where the glitterati gather to see and be seen.

Whilst that lasts I cannot envision it disappearing from the calendar no matter how the cars may or may not fit the circuit.

It’s a fair point, sometimes entertainment comes first because if it was just about the purity of the racing then the track would essentially have to be the same at every venue…like it is for track.

Even though it can be limiting at times, and it is in Monaco, variety does add its own kind of value.

[djinvicta]

This is also the reason the Cannes Film Festival is on the week before. All the celebs head to Monaco when it finishes.

[crmalcolm]

A lot of the criticism levelled at Miami was because the off-track activities were given priority. But Monaco only exists because of the off-track activities?

Much the same way that we never hear criticism of F1 racing in a country with such poor LGBT rights? Because it's Monaco and too many are afraid to highlight why it is a bad place for F1 to visit?

[Casper]

Originally Posted by Mike Harte

I may be wrong, but I believe that some people on here are overlooking the fact that Monaco is more of a huge social event with "racing" included rather than a normal Formula 1 race weekend, and where the glitterati gather to see and be seen.

Whilst that lasts I cannot envision it disappearing from the calendar no matter how the cars may or may not fit the circuit.

I suspect a lot of networking for further business opportunities happens as well.

[Taxi645]

Could I kindly suggest to move the discussions about the Monoco EVENT, (however relevant and interesting) to the Monaco GP thread and stick to circuit layout discussions for this thread.

[Casper]

Originally Posted by Taxi645

Could I kindly suggest to move the discussions about the Monoco EVENT, (however relevant and interesting) to the Monaco GP thread and stick to circuit layout discussions for this thread.

That is for the GP just gone or have I missed something? My last comment has nothing to do with the GP thread as far as I can tell.

[S griffin]

I don't think Monaco needs to change apart from with a few barriers. But let's leave more discussions about the Monaco GP to the GP thread

[crmalcolm]

Originally Posted by Taxi645

Could I kindly suggest to move the discussions about the Monoco EVENT, (however relevant and interesting) to the Monaco GP thread and stick to circuit layout discussions for this thread.

I don't think they are entirely exclusive topics though.

We have lots of discussion about how to make Monaco suitable again, just to accommodate the event. This makes it clear (to me) that Monaco and F1 are no longer suited to each other.
So - the best circuit layout proposal would be to move the whole event to another venue more suited to the entire F1 need.

As F1 becomes more orientated as a global series, and not just focussed on European interests, then influence will come from other countries. If Monaco is to retain relevance for F1 in future years, it has to change significantly.

[Taxi645]

Originally Posted by crmalcolm

I don't think they are entirely exclusive topics though.

Agreed, certainly. However, this thread was more intended towards (technical) layout changes to different circuits. As the topic was drifting towards discussing the Monaco event (with admitted layout part of that discussion) I think it drifted too far away for a topic that discussed layout changed to more tracks than just Monaco.

Originally Posted by crmalcolm

We have lots of discussion about how to make Monaco suitable again, just to accommodate the event. This makes it clear (to me) that Monaco and F1 are no longer suited to each other.
So - the best circuit layout proposal would be to move the whole event to another venue more suited to the entire F1 need.

As F1 becomes more orientated as a global series, and not just focussed on European interests, then influence will come from other countries. If Monaco is to retain relevance for F1 in future years, it has to change significantly.

I reckon it might still be a bit too early to write it off definitely. Perhaps the combination of the 2026 car regulations with some smaller tweaks to the track could just be enough. It is no problem that Monaco is the toughest track to overtake, that only adds to the charm in my opinion. Now however, I do indeed feel it is just too close to impossible to make much sense as a race event.

[Taxi645]

Fun video showing an alternative layout for Monaco (some changes discussed here as well for example the round about before the tunnel): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YyB4rVFr5Ys


Some changes would not really improve overtaking (rather the contrary), but still fun to imagine. They would not easily exclude view on the casino from the track, but I do like the added section from a driving point of view.



Top view for reference:

[bjohnsonsmith]

Originally Posted by Taxi645

Fun video showing an alternative layout for Monaco (some changes discussed here as well for example the round about before the tunnel): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YyB4rVFr5Ys


Some changes would not really improve overtaking (rather the contrary), but still fun to imagine. They would not easily exclude view on the casino from the track, but I do like the added section from a driving point of view.



Top view for reference:

Pity a graphic of the alternative track layout wasn't included.

This year's race was the 79th running of the Monaco Grand Prix and changes to the layout I don't think will really help, just because of the nature of the track. Therefore I doubt the race will be around for its centenary.

[chillibowl]

Originally Posted by bjohnsonsmith

Therefore I doubt the race will be around for its centenary.

i'd take that bet.

also bet on me complaining about it for the next 20 years!

[bjohnsonsmith]

Originally Posted by chillibowl

i'd take that bet.

also bet on me complaining about it for the next 20 years!

You're on .


Just one thing, I might not be around then. I just turned 62.

[Richard C]

Originally Posted by bjohnsonsmith

This year's race was the 79th running of the Monaco Grand Prix and changes to the layout I don't think will really help, just because of the nature of the track. Therefore I doubt the race will be around for its centenary.

I can't speak to it making it to 100 or not, but I do agree that its unlikely that any significant changes would greatly impact the character (in particular address passing) of the circuit. Because of this, I can envision only safety and/or spectator viewing improvements happening. Significant changes would be money spent with little gain.

Richard

[Casper]

Put all the drivers in Formula Fords and enjoy real racing, I would pay good money to see that!