One of the Grand Prix’s most iconic races is at great risk of ending in 2026. The venue has been heavily criticized by the public for having become a monotonous race, and despite efforts to implement new rules and some changes to bring more dynamism and excitement to the circuit, it doesn’t seem to have been enough to save it. Will there be one fewer Formula 1 circuit next year? Is there anything that can still be done to save it, or is the best option to end this race?
The weight of tradition versus the demands of modern F1
What would Formula 1 be without its most iconic races? This one in particular carries a high level of importance due to its tradition in the competition, being one of the favorite places for pilots and fans. Since 1950, pilots passed through narrow streets, tight curves, and low-visibility tunnels at maximum speed, but what used to be factors that made the venue challenging and classic have now become a race with no space to do anything different.
Because of its layout, with almost no room for risky overtakes or proper run-off areas, the Monaco Grand Prix is facing serious questions about its place in Formula 1 for 2026. Some changes have already been introduced this year, but even with those adjustments, engineers and experts warn that the tight urban circuit simply can’t keep up with the demands of modern F1. The track itself has become a barrier to the evolution of racing dynamics.
We have seen these changes happen in other locations, but it seems that Monaco is still standing in time. F1 must find a balance between the tradition of Monaco and the demands of modernity that the competition exiges.
Discussions about modifying the circuit
Making changes to Monaco — something that once felt unthinkable — has now become almost a matter of survival for the future of the Grand Prix. One of the recent attempts to shake things up was the introduction of mandatory two pit stops this year. But in reality, the change didn’t deliver the results Formula 1 was hoping for.
The reason? Some drivers simply couldn’t turn the new rule into an effective overtaking strategy. The result was a confusing race, lacking real excitement, with strategies that clearly didn’t play out as planned. That’s why more and more experts are saying that tweaking the rules isn’t enough — the real solution might come from rethinking the track itself.
What would be the ideal solution?
Studies indicate that possible changes at specific points, such as the widening Sainte Dévote curve, adjusting the chicane after the tunnel, and even removing barriers, could create new overtaking areas. But the biggest challenge is the city’s space, which for being squeezed between the sea and the mountains, could make it difficult to carry out those actions. Another obstacle could be the high cost of these works, which takes a long time.
The impact that the lack of changes could have on the Monaco GP
Despite the tradition being a great quality for the venue, it cannot be an obstacle to modernization. If Monaco can’t overcome the challenges of making real changes to its track, it risks losing its place on the Formula 1 calendar as early as 2026. The future of the Monaco GP has never felt this uncertain, and F1 has already shown that it’s willing to set tradition aside in favor of global growth and innovation. Drivers and fans alike are hoping Monaco can find a way through these challenges and stay on as the home of one of Formula 1’s most iconic and unforgettable races.
