Monaco's Grand Prix as it stands "will not work in the long run," states Dr Helmut Marko, the consultant for Red Bull's Formula 1 team.
The unusually processional and painfully slow Monaco GP unfolded at a particularly inopportune moment, as Liberty Media, the event's promoters, are negotiating a higher hosting fee with the organisers, with the current agreement set to conclude in the following year.
Views vary widely within the F1 paddock over whether Monaco remains appropriate for the current landscape of the sport.
"The tradition is still there," stated former F1 driver Christian Klien on Servus TV. "I can't really imagine a season without Monaco. But the cars are too big, too long and too wide. You simply can't overtake.
"They were up to eleven seconds (per lap) slower as they tried to finish the race on the hard tyres."
Despite the critiques, some found the 2024 Monaco GP compelling, like F1 tyre expert Kees van de Grint. "I watched the 78 laps with fascination," remarked the ex-Bridgestone and Ferrari technician to Viaplay.
"How the top four drove with such concentration, staying so close to each other with such focus and error-free. It was also exciting because (Charles) Leclerc drove so tactically. So yes, I enjoyed it."
Meanwhile, others are actively brainstorming modifications for future races. "For example, the harbour chicane could be moved further back, which would give more space for overtaking," suggested Alex Wurz, a retired F1 driver now engaged in track design.
"I know of some other tricks too," Wurz added.
Dr. Helmut Marko firmly believes changes are imperative, as a tedious process "distorts" F1 and the entertainment it provides and "will not work in the long run."
"They have to come up with something, either in terms of the track or the pitstops," he told Osterreich. "For us, it might involve requiring drivers to use all three types of tyres."
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