Column | Why Monaco belongs on the F1 calendar

The Monaco Grand Prix takes place this season. Gigantic yachts, famous people, expensive clothes but most of all fast cars through streets that are narrow. More and more people think that Monaco does not deserve a place on the modern calendar, but an annual trip to Monaco is a must for the following reasons.

History

It's a simple answer, but should definitely not be missing from the list. Monaco was on the Grand Prix calendar even before Formula 1 was an official class. The first race was held on the streets of the principality back in 1929. In 1950, when Formula 1 was organised for the first time as a world championship it was also part of the calendar.

After a number of years in which it was regularly not on the calendar, or as in 1952 as a race that did not count for the championship, the Monaco Grand Prix got a permanent place on the calendar. From 1955 until 2019 the race was organised continuously. Many spectacular races were held in which every now and then a surprising winner emerged. Unfortunately, the coronavirus brought an end to the uninterrupted series of races between 1955 and 2019.

Monaco separates the men from the boys

OK, overtaking is not an easy task in Monaco, that much is clear. But something that Monaco does have and many other circuits don't are the walls. Especially with the debate around track limits swirling around the paddock in recent weeks, Monaco is a nice change.

The smallest mistake can end your race in Monaco, which means drivers have to maintain full focus for 78 laps. Cruising is impossible on the narrow street circuit, even if you're way out in front. Danger is always lurking.

It's not the track, it's the cars

In recent years, overtaking has been rare at the Circuit de Monaco. But this is especially true for Formula 1. On the 8th of May, the motorsport world got a taste of what is possible on the circuit, if you have the right cars: Formula E drove on the full circuit of Monaco for the first time since its existence and it was a true spectacle.

The cars in Formula E are slower, smaller and can follow each other better. Slow cars nobody wants in Formula 1, but cars that are smaller and can follow each other do. Fortunately, in 2022 there will be new rules for the cars to follow each other better. Also, the cars will be a bit smaller. Of course, this is pure speculation and we won't know until 2022 if the new aerodynamic rules can actually bring about change.

The Triple Crown of Motorsport

A slightly minor reason why Monaco should remain on the calendar, but an interesting one to add. Once in a while, there is a driver who wants to compete for the 'Triple Crown of Motorsport'. To do so, the driver must win the Monaco GP, the Le Mans 24 hour race and the Indy 500 in his career.

Only one person has ever done this: Graham Hill won the Monaco GP five times, won the Indy 500 in 1966 and won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1972. Fernando Alonso won the Monaco GP in 2006 and 2007, won the race at Le Mans in 2018 and 2019 and had a shot at the Indy 500 victory in 2017, 2019 and 2020. However, he failed to win the latter.

While it would be a wonderful statistic for a driver like Hill to be the only driver ever to win the Triple Crown, it's a shame if no other driver can ever take a shot at that title.

All in all, the Monaco Grand Prix is a race that belongs on the calendar. And with new cars on the way, the races should be a lot more entertaining, creating new unforgettable Monaco moments.