Formula 1’s managing director of motorsport, Ross Brawn has defended the lack of action at the Monaco GP, claiming it can’t be judged the same as other races.
But for the drama surrounding eventual race winner Daniel Ricciardo’s engine problem and Max Verstappen making his way from the back, it was another largely processional race around the streets of the Principality with minimal overtaking.
As a result, Fernando Alonso suggested refunds should be given to fans and Lewis Hamilton called for changes to be made both to the format and the track itself in an attempt to improve the action, but the former Ferrari and Mercedes man disagreed.
“I’ve heard and read a number of comments from drivers and F1 people saying the race was boring and it’s true that it wasn’t action-packed, however, it’s a bit naive to expect lots of duels and passing moves in Monaco, all the more so as the tyres were the key factor,” Brawn claimed.
“That’s in contrast to the unique spectacle of Saturday’s qualifying, as this is the only place one can get so close to the action as the 20 drivers brush the barriers (sometimes clipping them) at speeds that are just unthinkable for mere mortals: maybe we don’t give enough credit to these guys who can lap the 3,337 metre track in around 71 seconds.”
His comments would seem to go against the mantra of his current employer Liberty Media, who want closer racing and put an emphasis on the show. But the Briton insists Monaco, which has hosted 76 races since its first inception in 1929, should be looked at differently.
“Monaco is such a special race that it should not be judged by the same criteria as the others,” he stated. “The atmosphere in the paddock and the town, the glamour that surrounds the event makes it unique.
“One of the aims we have set ourselves for the F1 of the future is to work together with the promoters and all stakeholders to ensure the new circuits provide more overtaking opportunities and that current ones are improved. Naturally, the opinion of the drivers is welcome and our door is always open,” Brawn acknowledged.
“However, in Monaco, you’d need to reclaim land from the sea to do something and that’s definitely not up to us!”
Interestingly, land is being reclaimed around the area of Portier, just before the tunnel, with Prince Albert already admitting possible changes could be made to the F1 track upon completion in 2025.
