Michel Boeri, president of the Automobile Club de Monaco, has expressed his relief that the iconic Monaco Grand Prix will not be subjected to Formula 1's anticipated race rotation scheme.
The potential plan could see many European circuits hosting a race only once every two years.
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has suggested that the new scheme, which aims to expand the calendar to more global markets, will be announced "soon."
Monaco finalized a new contract with F1 through 2031 last week, but negotiations for the long-term deal were challenging. Known for being one of the least lucrative events on the calendar, Monaco reportedly agreed to double its annual race fee starting in 2026 to secure its place.
"It was 'I love you, I don't love you'," Boeri told Monaco Info, describing the negotiations. "The negotiations lasted at least six months.
"The problem was that as soon as we had a verbal agreement, we had to finalise it with a 60-70 page contract, written by American lawyers. It was a battle that went beyond the small clashes we had with Stefano Domenicali, who defended interests that were not mine.
"All that is in the past, it's swept away," he added.
Boeri is especially relieved that Monaco will not face the alternation plan that is likely to impact other European grands prix.
"Compared to other European grands prix, we have a few small advantages, but above all, there is no alternation," he said. "We will be there every year.
"Not only will many other European grands prix disappear, but those that remain will be in this alternation. I believe that with the demand that F1 has today, there will only be two or three grands prix left in Europe, with interest shifting to China and other continents."
