Current Formula 1 bosses “haven’t got the balls” to axe the Monaco Grand Prix, former chief Bernie Ecclestone claims.
The future of the Monte Carlo race is uncertain with questions over its suitability for modern F1 as well as Liberty Media pushing for better commercial terms amid the need to accommodate new events on the calendar.
But given the history and prestige that the Monaco GP carries, Ecclestone doesn’t think those in charge would dare drop the sport’s most famous race.
“I don’t think anyone’s got the balls to take that race away from Monaco,” GPFans quoted him as telling Reuters.
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Ecclestone also cited the confidence of Automobile Club de Monaco president Michel Boeri, who recently said the future of the race was “guaranteed” beyond 2022.
“They are still super, super happy and confident with everything without any drama.
“So I don’t see any problems there at all. Whether it’s the worst race or the best race or whatever, it’s the crown jewel.”
The long-time F1 boss then took a dig at the recent Miami Grand Prix, which was billed as Liberty Media’s answer to Monaco.
“Look at Miami, that wasn’t a Formula One race,” he claimed. “It could have been a local club race, couldn’t it. They had those boats in the car park, trying to make it look like Monaco.”
In other news, Ecclestone denied being arrested at an airport in Brazil this week for carrying an illegal gun, but did pay bail before being allowed to fly back to Europe.
“I haven’t had any publicity lately and I thought I ought to do something to get some,” he said cheekily, adding it was a “silly, tiny, little incident”.