In brief

Michel Boeri: “In 2025, we will do everything we can to make sure the contract is renewed

michel boeri monaco
Michel Boeri spoke about the future of the Monaco F1 Grand Prix, which he ardently defends (Photo © ACM)

The president of the Automobile Club de Monaco (ACM) spoke about the future of the Monaco Grand Prix, whose place on the racing calendar is guaranteed for at least two more years. 

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President of the ACM since 1972, this year’s edition will be Michel Boeri’s 52nd Monaco Grand Prix. A Grand Prix that he ardently defends, despite the financial pressures from Liberty Media, the American owners of Formula 1.

“As far as we are concerned, we will do everything to keep the Grand Prix because it is a tradition for us, with an important, worldwide image,” he declared to Monaco-Matin ahead of the 80th Monaco Grand Prix. “In 2025, we will do everything we can to make sure the contract is renewed.”

While it is a legendary event in the eyes of Formula 1 fans, the Monegasque race’s place on the world championship calendar has nevertheless been called into question by the F1 owners.

Competing with Middle Eastern countries

“The Americans are interested in strong offers, not longevity. If a Middle Eastern country puts ten times as much money on the table as us, we are dead, as are all the other GPs in the world. No matter that we are one of the cradles of motor sport, we will be out,” he told L’Équipe, before adding for Monaco-Matin:

“Monaco tries to put on a sports show that others may not be able to offer. If the circus bosses don’t get the subtlety, we’re obviously dead. But if they are not too fixated with an ideology,  Monaco certainly has a place in the world championship. It is a special event.”

The contract runs until 2025 and includes a number of boxes that must be checked, concerning the number of VIP tickets in particular. Among the new features, “there could be a structure at the entrance of the stands in 2024 with a capacity of up to 600 people.”