Monaco shuts the door on Leclerc's track idea ahead of its first F1 Sprint

Michel Boeri, president of the Automobile Club de Monaco, confirmed the position in an interview with Nice-Matin, rejecting the possibility of modifying the circuit to create more overtaking opportunities.

The narrow streets of Monte Carlo have long made overtaking extremely difficult, with the increasing size of modern Formula 1 cars only adding to the challenge. Suggestions to introduce a longer straight or redesign certain sections of the track have therefore emerged repeatedly, but Monaco's organisers have no intention of pursuing them.

The decision comes amid renewed criticism of Formula 1's decision to introduce a Sprint race in Monaco from 2027. Following the Singapore Grand Prix weekend, several drivers questioned the suitability of Sprint races at circuits where overtaking opportunities are so limited.

Isack Hadjar was particularly critical of the decision, while Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen also expressed concerns about the prospect of Sprint racing on the streets of Monte Carlo. Liam Lawson, however, offered a different perspective, admitting that he liked the idea despite the difficulties drivers face when attempting to overtake.

Boeri left no room for doubt. He also explained why the club will not touch the layout: any change would bring a new round of approval from the sport's governing body.

The Monaco circuit has undergone numerous modifications since hosting its first Grand Prix in 1929, but the principality's limited space makes any major redesign particularly difficult.

In the past, Monaco has even reclaimed land from the sea to accommodate changes to the track, including the construction of the Nouvelle chicane. However, Boeri ruled out pursuing a similar approach in the future, further limiting the possibility of significant alterations to the circuit.

Leclerc, who was born and raised in Monaco, has floated the Portier idea more than once. At the 2022 Monaco Grand Prix, he told reporters that he had thought about rerouting the track there to lengthen the straight into the tunnel, though he was not sure it would work.

Charles Leclerc was among those to suggest a possible modification to the circuit, proposing a longer straight to create more overtaking opportunities: "When we come from Mirabeau through Loews to the Portier bend, why not turn left there and create a long straight?"

However, Boeri's position means Leclerc's proposal is unlikely to become reality, with Monaco determined to retain its traditional layout.

Formula 1 has already experimented with alternative ways of improving the spectacle in Monaco without modifying the circuit itself. These included introducing mandatory pit-stop requirements designed to encourage different strategies and create more variation during the race. With changes to the track ruled out, any further attempts to improve racing in Monaco will instead have to come through sporting regulations or strategic adjustments.

While Monaco has ruled out modifying its circuit, other Formula 1 venues are considering a different approach. In Madrid, organisers are evaluating potential changes to the new circuit following criticism of its inaugural Grand Prix. Asked about possible modifications during a conference in London, a spokeswoman for the Madrid circuit confirmed: "We are working on it."

Monaco, meanwhile, has secured its long-term future on the Formula 1 calendar, with its current agreement running until at least 2035 following two contract extensions in the space of two years. Boeri also highlighted the positive relationship between the Automobile Club de Monaco and Liberty Media.

"Our American friends have recognised how responsive we can be," he explained.

However, while changes to the racing layout remain off the table, improvements elsewhere are still possible. Boeri suggested that Monaco could explore ways to create additional space in the pit lane, addressing one of the circuit's logistical limitations without altering its historic configuration.