What's happened
Formula 1 has announced a six-year contract extension for the Monaco Grand Prix, moving the race to the first weekend of June starting in 2026. This change aims to enhance logistical efficiency and sustainability, aligning with F1's Net Zero target by 2030. The Canadian Grand Prix will also shift dates to accommodate this change.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Kieran Jackson in The Independent, the Monaco Grand Prix will now take place on the first weekend of June starting in 2026, a move that F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali describes as a step towards a more sustainable and logistically sensible calendar. The Guardian echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the race's historical significance and its role in attracting global audiences. Meanwhile, the South China Morning Post highlights the broader implications for the F1 calendar, noting that the Canadian Grand Prix will also shift dates to pair with Miami, further optimizing travel for teams. This strategic planning reflects F1's commitment to sustainability and efficiency in the face of increasing global interest in motorsport.
How we got here
The Monaco Grand Prix has been a staple of the F1 calendar since 1950, with its iconic street circuit attracting global attention. Recent discussions have focused on optimizing the race calendar for sustainability and logistical efficiency, leading to this significant date change.
Common question
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Why Did F1 Move the Monaco Grand Prix to June?
The Monaco Grand Prix, a historic staple of Formula 1, is set to shift to the first weekend of June starting in 2026. This change raises questions about the reasons behind the move, its implications for teams and fans, and how it aligns with F1's sustainability goals. Here’s what you need to know about this significant update.
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How is F1 Addressing Sustainability and Logistical Challenges?
Formula 1 is evolving to meet the demands of sustainability and efficiency in its operations. With recent changes like the Monaco Grand Prix date shift, fans are curious about how these adjustments impact the sport's environmental goals and logistical planning. Here are some common questions surrounding F1's commitment to a greener future and the challenges it faces.
More on these topics
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Formula One is the highest class of international single-seater auto racing sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile and owned by the Formula One Group.
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Stefano Domenicali is an Italian manager and the current CEO of Formula One Group, replacing Chase Carey. He is the former CEO of Italian sports car manufacturer Lamborghini from 2016 to 2020.
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The Monaco Grand Prix is a Formula One motor racing event held annually on the Circuit de Monaco on the last weekend in May. Run since 1929, it is widely considered to be one of the most important and prestigious automobile races in the world, and is one
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Charles Leclerc is a Monégasque racing driver, currently driving in Formula One, under the Monégasque flag, for Scuderia Ferrari. Leclerc won the GP3 Series championship in 2016 and the FIA Formula 2 Championship in 2017.
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Max Emilian Verstappen is a Belgian-Dutch racing driver currently competing in Formula One, under the Dutch flag, with Red Bull Racing.