24 Grand Prix in 2023 and problems for Monaco

Formula 1 and team leaders are discussing the calendar for the 2023 season this weekend. It is expected to consist of 24 grands prix, including three new circuits – in Qatar, Las Vegas and Kyalami. Negotiations with the organizers of the Grand Prix of South Africa will take place next week.

There are 22 stages on the calendar this year, several of which will not take place next year to leave room for three new circuits.

The holding of the Chinese Grand Prix will depend on the situation with the coronavirus. In Spa they are thinking about alternating stages with another circuit, like in Portugal. But the biggest problems are in the extension of the contract with Monaco.

The contract with the Principality expires at the end of the year. And it will not be renewed unless certain privileges are renounced in Monte Carlo. According to Auto Motor und Sport, the head of Formula 1 Stefano Domenicali informed the organizers about this at the start of the negotiations.

And it’s not like in Monte Carlo they pay 10 to 15 million dollars for the stage, which is much less than in any other race. In Monaco, the organizers independently form the television image, determine which sponsors and how often they will be shown during the broadcast. This is the same problem for Formula 1 as the local paddock club where the organizers sell tickets.

Another problem is TAG Heuer’s advertising around the track, which conflicts with the interests of another watch company – Rolex – the main sponsor of the World Cup.

In Formula 1, they emphasize that they do not need the impossible – the modernization of the track to make overtaking easier, but some privileges will apparently have to be given up.