(Motorsport) Formula 1 owner Liberty Media is reconsidering the presence of the historically significant Monaco and Belgium Grand Prix’s on the calendar. With the weekend’s racing action fast approaching in one of the most iconic tracks, the 68,000 capacity venue is already sold out but one of the biggest issues the owners have with the venue is that it attracts the smallest fee amongst all the races while other venues can accommodate crowds upto 400,000. With the interest in the sport bigger than ever before, the demand for Formula 1 to expand into new countries is unprecedented and Liberty Media are aiming to increase the number of venues without adding additional races in the calendar.

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who has lived in Monaco all his life, said this about the issue: “It would be a bad move for both parties. I have never known Monaco without F1 apart from Covid reasons in 2020 and F1 without Monaco for me is not F1. F1 has some historic tracks like Silverstone and Monza – and Monaco, too and they should stay on the calendar. Monaco is one of the best tracks out there, in terms of qualifying there are no places I enjoy as much here, and where the driver can make as much difference. 

“The races are so close. The danger, you can still feel it because you really have the sensation of speed and in terms of qualifying it is probably the most exciting of the year. I agree in the races there are maybe some things we could change here and there to help overtaking. But in terms of challenge for the drivers it is one of the toughest challenges of the year." 

The 24 year old has been extremely unlucky in Monaco, having never finished a race on his home track in his career. However, with Ferrari looking dominant and Leclerc racing in front of his home fans, a win might be on the cards in order to get back in the title race. Speaking about his performances in Monaco, Leclerc said “I don't think about it. It's not been the luckiest track for me overall, but it's life. It happens. It's part of motorsports, and sometimes things just don't go your way, and hopefully this year will. 

"I'll just take the same approach as I've done in the first few races of 2022. Because it's been successful until now, and hopefully it will be successful here at home. I honestly don't feel the pressure, I'm just very happy to be here to be back on this amazing track. I love it here and it's a very special event for me having grown up here. And these roads I've known so well since being born. There is no added pressure. I know the performance is in the car for us to do a good result this weekend. And I just have to get in the car and do the job and hopefully the results will be there at the end of the weekend." 

Also read: Monaco GP Preview: Title race intensifies between Red Bull and Ferrari