Mercedes boss Toto Wolff is urging "compromise" to secure the Monaco Grand Prix's future in Formula 1.
Long known as the 'Jewel in the Crown' on the calendar, last weekend's race in Monte Carlo was the last under the current contract and talks have been stalling over a renewal.
F1 owners Liberty Media are demanding the race organiser give up long-held perks including control of the TV broadcast and the traditional end of May date as part of a new regional calendar being planned for 2023.
Also Read:
- Ecclestone: F1 bosses 'haven't got the balls' to axe Monaco GP
- Leclerc clear on future of home race: 'F1 without Monaco for me is not F1'
- McLaren CEO hints Monaco GP among five F1 races that fall short of 'spectacular'
Also part of the equation is the lack of actual racing, with the Monaco GP now much more about Saturday's qualifying than Sunday's race.
And Wolff was particularly frustrated after watching Lewis Hamilton sit behind a slow-moving Fernando Alonso for much of the race.
"Five seconds is like an F2 car but yeah, I think we need to look [at the track]," said the Austrian.
"This is such a spectacle here, such a fantastic venue and always amazing to be here, but we need to maybe look at the layout, where we can basically do a lap five seconds slower and you still can't overtake."
You shall not pass!#MonacoGP pic.twitter.com/zRWiTq9C7W
— BWT Alpine F1 Team (@AlpineF1Team) May 31, 2022
However, on this and many other matters, the Automobile Club de Monaco is refusing to budge believing Liberty's demands are merely a tactic.
"I think there's a commercial debate to be held but both parties clearly will find a compromise because we need Monaco and Monaco needs Formula 1," Wolff said.
"With the track layout, maybe it's wishful thinking. I wouldn't know where else we can drive than around these roads, and the tunnel is already fast, but I don't know what can be done.
“I am biased because I live here, I love the city, and what Monaco has to offer is spectacular,” he added via the PA news agency.
“But Monaco has to embrace the new realities of what Formula 1 stands for and its impact on the world.
“Monaco will always be respected within the Formula 1 community as something that is special and if we didn’t race in Monaco, that would be a shame from my perspective as a team owner.
“But nobody should take anything for granted.”
