What Can Become Of Sebastian Vettel & Monaco?

Could 2022 Formula 1 season be the last of Sebastian Vettel & Monaco in the sport? It's strange that two Formula 1 classics might face a bleak future as the current season goes along.

In the case of Vettel, could the uncompetitive Aston Martin remain attractive?

In the case of Monaco, it could be a case of pressure from Formula 1 to sign a more-favourable contract and also the fact that more interesting circuits are being announced as race venues.

In this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Soumil and Kunal discuss what can become of Sebastian Vettel & Monaco.

Could Vettel go the Fernando Alonso way? Race other cars / series & see if his passion for Formula 1 reignites?

As for Monaco, what's your view - should Formula 1 drop the iconic venue or continue with it?

Tune in!

(Season 2022, Episode 22)

Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora and Kunal Shah

Image courtesy: Aston Martin Racing

# Inside Line F1 Podcast: The Uncertain Future of Sebastian Vettel and Monaco in Formula One

## Introduction

- The Inside Line F1 Podcast delves into the uncertain future of Sebastian Vettel and the iconic Monaco circuit in Formula One.
- Host Soumil Arora and former Force India F1 marketing head Kunal Shah discuss the challenges faced by both Vettel and Monaco, and explore potential outcomes.

## Sebastian Vettel's Struggles

- Vettel's recent performances have been underwhelming, with poor results and crashes marring his 2022 season.
- His lack of competitiveness in the Aston Martin car raises questions about his motivation and future in the sport.
- Vettel's legacy as a four-time world champion is overshadowed by his recent struggles, leading to speculation about his retirement or a change of scenery.

### Potential Paths for Vettel

- Some believe Vettel may follow Fernando Alonso's example and continue racing in other series to reignite his passion for driving.
- Others suggest he could take on an ambassadorial role for Formula One, given his popularity and humanitarian efforts.
- The possibility of Vettel joining another team, such as Aston Martin's potential replacement for Lance Stroll, is also discussed.

## Monaco's Relevance in Formula One

- Monaco's status as a classic circuit is undeniable, but its suitability for modern Formula One cars is questioned.
- The narrow, winding streets of Monaco make overtaking difficult, leading to processional races and a lack of excitement for fans.
- Formula One's desire for more favorable contract terms with Monaco has led to tensions between the two parties.

### The Future of Monaco in Formula One

- The expansion of the Formula One calendar and the emergence of new, more glamorous venues pose a threat to Monaco's place on the schedule.
- Monaco's prestige and history may not be enough to justify its continued inclusion if it fails to deliver entertaining races.
- The possibility of Monaco undergoing modifications to improve overtaking opportunities is raised, but the challenges of altering the historic circuit are acknowledged.

## Conclusion

- The podcast emphasizes the need for Formula One to strike a balance between preserving its classic elements and adapting to the evolving demands of the sport.
- The fates of Sebastian Vettel and Monaco remain uncertain, with their futures dependent on various factors, including performance, motivation, and commercial considerations.

[00:00.000 -> 00:23.240] Hi folks, welcome to the Inside Line F1 podcast and pitch the podium.
[00:23.240 -> 00:27.840] Somal Arora here, I'm the host of the Driving Force on Disney Plus Hotstar, joined by Kunal
[00:27.840 -> 00:31.200] Shah, the former marketing head of the Force India F1 team.
[00:31.200 -> 00:32.960] And it's not a race weekend this time out.
[00:32.960 -> 00:36.920] So we're trying to take out a little bit more time to figure out what exactly is going on
[00:36.920 -> 00:42.400] with these two timeless F1 classics, one being a driver, the other being a circuit.
[00:42.400 -> 00:47.120] And notice the description, right, timeless, because they've been there for seemingly years.
[00:47.120 -> 00:49.120] But suddenly, it seems like that there probably
[00:49.120 -> 00:51.360] is a reason why they could not be there for longer.
[00:51.360 -> 00:53.280] And that's exactly what we're going to discuss.
[00:53.280 -> 00:56.200] And of course, the person and the track in question
[00:56.200 -> 00:58.320] is Sebastian Vettel and Monaco.
[00:58.320 -> 01:00.240] But firstly, Kunal, Sebastian Vettel,
[01:00.240 -> 01:01.920] I think that's what we should focus on.
[01:01.920 -> 01:04.360] And everyone might be wondering, why exactly are we
[01:04.360 -> 01:05.600] talking about Sebastian Vettel
[01:05.600 -> 01:11.020] But it's probably a good time to do so considering how the season has begun and what the last few years have actually looked
[01:11.020 -> 01:13.020] like for him
[01:13.240 -> 01:17.840] Absolutely Samuel, non Grand Prix weekend, but timeless classics that we are speaking about
[01:17.840 -> 01:24.700] I actually see a common thread between Vettel and Monaco just the way you said as well because you know
[01:24.700 -> 01:25.280] Both are old
[01:25.280 -> 01:31.880] school, both are legendary in their own ways, both have had their time shining
[01:31.880 -> 01:36.800] you know in Formula One you know we've seen some grand races from Fetel and
[01:36.800 -> 01:41.120] we've some very we've seen some very exciting or few exciting races in
[01:41.120 -> 01:45.940] Monaco as well. I think both Vettel and Monaco are very
[01:45.940 -> 01:51.040] statesmen, very royal, very loved. You know of course the only thing is you
[01:51.040 -> 01:55.920] know Vettel is more subdued and to himself whereas Monaco is very pomp and
[01:55.920 -> 02:02.680] public as I would say. But yes you know I think both are relying more on past
[02:02.680 -> 02:06.320] glory than present and maybe future
[02:06.320 -> 02:11.880] possibilities to stay in Formula One and let's focus on Sebastian Vettel because
[02:11.880 -> 02:19.040] my god he's had the worst start to a season ever right he missed two races
[02:19.040 -> 02:28.840] Australia was his first race last weekend. Three crashes and spins. You know, very un-Sebastian Vettel
[02:28.840 -> 02:34.120] like. You know, the team is out in support saying we're not giving him the tools. And
[02:34.120 -> 02:39.160] you know, former drivers are questioning, will he be motivated? Is this going to be
[02:39.160 -> 02:46.560] the last season that we see Sebastian Vettel? And maybe you and I should just discuss what can become of Sebastian
[02:46.560 -> 02:54.560] Vettel in 2022 and onwards. Yeah that's such a good point because it's not like he had a few spins
[02:54.560 -> 03:00.640] and a crash in a good car right, it was also a bad car that was extremely slow throughout the weekend
[03:00.640 -> 03:09.200] so it's not like there's even that slight glimmer of hope. But it's absurd, isn't it? Because Sebastian Vettel, since 2014, Kunal has been seemingly on a bit of
[03:09.200 -> 03:13.720] a roller coaster in terms of his performance. And this 2022 season kind of offered a new
[03:13.720 -> 03:17.900] chance maybe to see him in a leading light after a couple of podiums last year. But from
[03:17.900 -> 03:21.640] what we've seen so far, Aston Martin are nowhere to be seen. Vettel's performance is nowhere
[03:21.640 -> 03:28.400] to be seen. I just wonder what could happen next eventually because let's be honest he has a contract that's pretty clear
[03:28.400 -> 03:34.600] but what do you want to drive? That's the most important part. I think he'd
[03:34.600 -> 03:40.060] want to drive, the question is which car would he like to drive and it may not be
[03:40.060 -> 03:45.300] that British racing green car even though it looks really sexy I must say
[03:45.300 -> 03:52.060] that you know it's it's it's it's gonna let's see how it all evolves in the
[03:52.060 -> 03:56.660] whole Sebastian Vettel you know side of things this season you know his his
[03:56.660 -> 04:05.000] legacy is now far overwritten from his dominant days in 2010 to 2013 that we saw them,
[04:06.280 -> 04:10.240] the exhaust blown diffuser era, the Renault V8s
[04:10.240 -> 04:14.600] that drove him in Red Bull Racing through those four titles.
[04:14.600 -> 04:16.840] But like you said, the hybrid era,
[04:16.840 -> 04:21.040] he's just not had anything which would,
[04:22.000 -> 04:24.120] not a single season where one would say
[04:24.120 -> 04:27.000] that was a Sebastian Vettel season that we would remember.
[04:27.000 -> 04:34.000] Bear in mind, we've actually had a season where we remember Nico Rosberg and then we of course remember Max Verstappen as well.
[04:34.000 -> 04:39.000] So, the question that everybody's asking is, will Vettel go? Should he go?
[04:39.000 -> 04:46.500] And the question we are asking is, if he does go, what should he do? What can sort of get there with him?
[04:46.500 -> 04:49.480] Because Sundaram, who's very famously known
[04:49.480 -> 04:51.700] as the F1 stats guru, Somal,
[04:51.700 -> 04:53.940] he came up with some fantastic stats.
[04:53.940 -> 04:57.640] And I know you've got a stat from Hockenheim,
[04:57.640 -> 04:59.820] which you'd like to share.
[04:59.820 -> 05:02.960] My stat, which is a very shocking stat,
[05:02.960 -> 05:05.620] is that the last time Vettel finished three
[05:05.620 -> 05:12.420] successive races in the points was you know back in 2021 which was of course
[05:12.420 -> 05:18.060] this last year which was Monaco, Azerbaijan and then France but the time
[05:18.060 -> 05:31.800] before that was actually back in 2019 which was Germany, Hungary and then Belgium. Yeah, yeah. I mean, his performance has just been absurd in the last couple of years. And
[05:31.800 -> 05:36.360] I think we all can agree on the fact that his turning point has been Germany 2018, which
[05:36.360 -> 05:40.000] is kind of backed up by the stat, isn't it? Because Sundaram has come up and said that
[05:40.000 -> 05:45.080] since Germany 2018, he's just won two races, Belgium 2018, which of course he won on merit,
[05:45.080 -> 05:50.620] but Singapore 2019, which was kind of gifted in a way because of that old strategy decision
[05:50.620 -> 05:55.920] and Ferrari getting back to it. It's not been the same Sebastian Vettel, quite clearly,
[05:55.920 -> 05:59.360] we can tell. And this kind of pops up the question, right, if Sebastian Vettel, let's
[05:59.360 -> 06:04.120] say doesn't want to drive for Aston Martin, because A, there's no decent car, B, there's
[06:04.120 -> 06:09.840] no representative teammate, C, of course, Vettel, we all know Vettel loves to spend time with his family,
[06:09.840 -> 06:12.920] right? So of course, it'll kind of make sense to do that. Again, speculation, all that,
[06:12.920 -> 06:17.440] but even if he doesn't, right, which other team would want him? Because let's be honest,
[06:17.440 -> 06:22.160] the performances in the last few years have just been average for a Formula One driver,
[06:22.160 -> 06:27.840] if you can put it that way. I mean, I Sebastian Vettel but it's just what the things are Kunal, isn't it?
[06:27.840 -> 06:32.920] It is and you mentioned an interesting point about Vettel and you know
[06:32.920 -> 06:38.920] partnering Lance Stroll and not having as representative a teammate and you
[06:38.920 -> 06:44.360] know the last representative teammate that Vettel actually had was probably
[06:44.360 -> 06:50.320] Daniel Ricciardo back in in Red Bull you know, because Raikkonen, you know, Kimi Raikkonen, the great Kimi Raikkonen
[06:50.840 -> 06:53.840] wasn't really as quick in his second
[06:54.440 -> 07:00.280] stint at Ferrari, at least that's what we'd all love to believe. Then, you know, he's had Lance Stroll as well.
[07:00.280 -> 07:02.800] So I don't know if having a more competitive
[07:03.120 -> 07:05.360] teammate would have actually motivated him further
[07:05.360 -> 07:10.560] somehow because it's been a while since you know Vettel's been challenged as you know challenged
[07:10.560 -> 07:18.320] in the same team as well and you're right you know why would another Formula One team actually be
[07:18.320 -> 07:22.720] interested in hiring Vettel apart from the fact that you know he's a four times Formula One world
[07:22.720 -> 07:28.760] champion, much loved, very humble, very royal, all of that. But hey, you actually, that doesn't
[07:28.760 -> 07:32.600] really make you quicker right, because that's, otherwise Vettel would have been
[07:32.600 -> 07:36.760] a little more quicker I guess. Which is exactly what my entire question was
[07:36.760 -> 07:40.000] about the Aston Martin driver lineup ever since the first couple of races
[07:40.000 -> 07:44.680] last year, about what exactly are they trying to achieve here. Vettel isn't
[07:44.680 -> 08:05.840] really the fastest anymore and Lance Stroll as we all know is kind of is team. He got beaten by Shah Lakhle as Sundaram has pointed out. 65 points in 2020 and 24 points in
[08:05.840 -> 08:10.160] 2019. That was the difference between Vettel and Lickler with Vettel always being behind in that
[08:10.160 -> 08:16.720] case. So it shouldn't feel like we're raining down on the Vettel parade here but just stating
[08:16.720 -> 08:27.200] things as they are. Yeah and it's like what would it take for Vettel to actually get out of this rut, not just as a team, but even as a driver,
[08:27.200 -> 08:29.920] all the spins and crashes that we've seen,
[08:29.920 -> 08:33.440] which have become very characteristic Vettel.
[08:33.440 -> 08:36.840] So not sure what can become of it from here,
[08:36.840 -> 08:39.640] but Samuel, since we're gonna speak about Monaco
[08:39.640 -> 08:41.800] in a few minutes from now,
[08:41.800 -> 08:43.440] I thought maybe Vettel should take over
[08:43.440 -> 08:49.040] as the chief executive Officer of Monaco and then see how he can turn
[08:49.040 -> 08:53.640] that circuit around for it to be able to host interesting Formula One races, you
[08:53.640 -> 08:59.040] know given that he'd love to be a part of anything old-school Formula One. But
[08:59.040 -> 09:04.600] yeah on a more serious note, you know the question that has to be asked is, is he
[09:04.600 -> 09:05.580] going to retire from
[09:05.580 -> 09:10.940] Formula One? I think I'm gonna split the answer if I was to you know answer this
[09:10.940 -> 09:15.720] question of course I'm not Fettel and I've asked myself the question but I
[09:15.720 -> 09:21.380] think I think he'll probably quit racing Formula One cars but he I would love to
[09:21.380 -> 09:28.000] see him do what Fernando Alonso did, you know Which is still continue racing other cars to you know
[09:28.000 -> 09:33.260] He loves driving all these drivers in Formula One are not because they love driving Formula One cars
[09:33.320 -> 09:37.880] Yeah, they love driving cars and Formula One just happens to be one of the most
[09:38.960 -> 09:43.960] Technologically advanced most challenging cars that you know a human being could end up driving
[09:43.960 -> 09:48.200] So I'd love to see Vettel go down the Alonzo Road and say you know what I'm gonna do
[09:48.200 -> 09:52.780] the Dakar rally once because hey again it's old-school. We've anyway seen him
[09:52.780 -> 09:58.500] you know win the race of champions multiple times on various different
[09:58.500 -> 10:03.820] tarmacs. So could he do rallying, could he do rallycross, can he just go take a
[10:03.820 -> 10:06.720] break where he enjoys that driving doesn't
[10:06.720 -> 10:12.400] have the stresses of you know being operating in a Formula One team, doesn't have all the emotional
[10:12.400 -> 10:17.840] drama and the politics that comes with it, give him equal machinery, let him just go have fun,
[10:17.840 -> 10:24.480] maybe that could reignite some more passion in Vettel and who knows, come back to Formula One.
[10:22.680 -> 10:25.440] more passion in Vettel and who knows, I come back to Formula One.
[10:25.440 -> 10:27.720] Maybe Vettel in the Clio Cup or something like that
[10:27.720 -> 10:31.640] because another factor that will impact him is the calendar.
[10:31.640 -> 10:33.880] Now the calendar is immensely crazy,
[10:33.880 -> 10:35.980] it's so crazy now that just a day or two
[10:35.980 -> 10:37.760] before this recording, Pirelli reportedly
[10:37.760 -> 10:40.560] were having trouble finding space for a tire test.
[10:40.560 -> 10:42.360] So imagine how much better it would be
[10:42.360 -> 10:45.800] if Vettel didn't have to spend all that time at the racetracks.
[10:45.800 -> 10:47.800] But hey, that's just one aspect of it.
[10:47.800 -> 10:52.200] But it's a bit sad how things are working out for Sebastian Vettel.
[10:52.200 -> 10:55.200] But my final picture of Vettel would be ambassador for Formula 1.
[10:55.200 -> 10:57.600] There just cannot be someone better.
[10:57.600 -> 11:01.800] I mean in terms of humanitarian aspect, in terms of what Formula 1 stands for.
[11:01.800 -> 11:06.880] He's just the perfect person to embody the sport and to maybe go around spreading it.
[11:06.880 -> 11:09.080] Perfect, that would be a match made in heaven,
[11:09.080 -> 11:11.160] but only if he agrees with the stance
[11:11.160 -> 11:13.760] that F1 is actually taking on its V-Races 1 campaign,
[11:13.760 -> 11:16.520] because I doubt that there'll be some friction over there.
[11:17.880 -> 11:20.200] I guess so, you know, if there was one race,
[11:20.200 -> 11:23.160] I would have loved to see Vettel race in 2022,
[11:23.160 -> 11:24.600] which would have been Saudi Arabia.
[11:24.600 -> 11:26.320] And it's been a bit surprising. Nobody's actually gone and asked him I would have loved to see Fettel race in in 2022, it would have been Saudi Arabia and
[11:30.240 -> 11:30.800] it's been a bit surprising. Nobody's actually gone and asked him what would he have done
[11:37.760 -> 11:45.880] had he been in Saudi Arabia when that missile strike happened. But that's just how it goes. And let's just enjoy Fettel as much as we get of him because it doesn't seem too likely that he's going to continue
[11:45.880 -> 11:48.380] unless that Aston Martin is up there fighting
[11:48.380 -> 11:51.060] with at least the McLarens and the Alpines
[11:51.060 -> 11:53.180] and giving Fettel to have some fun
[11:53.180 -> 11:56.800] and giving him a reason to stay away from his family
[11:56.800 -> 12:01.660] on such tight calendar, such long calendar, Samuel.
[12:01.660 -> 12:04.280] So let's see how that goes.
[12:04.280 -> 12:06.760] And the question also has to be asked,
[12:06.760 -> 12:10.640] would Aston Martin then replace Vettel with the Hulkenberg?
[12:10.640 -> 12:12.920] Or given the brand that they embody
[12:12.920 -> 12:15.100] and the brand that they represent,
[12:15.100 -> 12:20.100] do they need a driver with the sort of credentials
[12:21.040 -> 12:22.160] that Vettel comes with?
[12:22.160 -> 12:24.280] And this is where the question was asking,
[12:24.280 -> 12:28.520] would Alonzo then just jump ship to Aston Martin at some point of
[12:28.520 -> 12:32.980] course it's one of those silly questions but at this moment I think Aston Martin
[12:32.980 -> 12:38.040] needs more than just their strong brand and lineage and heritage to attract a
[12:38.040 -> 12:42.860] star quality driver Samuel. Yeah that's true that's true even if they kind of
[12:42.860 -> 12:49.080] let him drive the James Bond car I I mean, that probably isn't like the most attractive thing for any driver right now.
[12:49.080 -> 12:53.000] They barely have a car. And I'll just say it in a similar bit, who don't?
[12:53.000 -> 12:55.000] They need a driver and an engine.
[12:55.000 -> 12:59.040] Sorry, I just kind of butchered that. But there's that. A car, a driver and a car. But
[12:59.040 -> 13:02.160] because Lance Struhl is just kind of not really working out well. But I think that's enough
[13:02.160 -> 13:10.320] on Rainer and Aston Martin and Sebastian Vettel. We can talk about a circuit that kind of now feels like the Aston Martin of Formula 1,
[13:10.320 -> 13:15.840] beautiful, lovely, everybody likes it. But in terms of functionality is kind of falling back behind
[13:15.840 -> 13:20.240] Monaco Canal. And Romain Grosjean had a really good point about trying to make racing better
[13:20.240 -> 13:24.240] at Formula 1 circuits. He said, why invest so much in the cars when we can just have
[13:24.240 -> 13:28.960] wider circuits? Monaco obviously doesn't fit that bill. Sundaram's come up with a lovely
[13:28.960 -> 13:33.280] stat, F1 stats guru, don't forget to check him out, which says that on an average since
[13:33.280 -> 13:37.940] 2017, there's only been two overtakes per race at Monaco. There's just a growing frustration
[13:37.940 -> 13:41.880] among Formula 1 fans, including us for years, that Monaco just isn't fit for the purpose
[13:41.880 -> 13:47.480] anymore. So my question is, is Monaco actually giving Formula, I'm sorry, is Monaco just isn't fit for the purpose anymore. So my question is, is Monaco actually giving Formula,
[13:47.640 -> 13:51.000] I'm sorry, is Monaco actually taking more from Formula 1
[13:51.000 -> 13:52.080] than it's giving back?
[13:52.080 -> 13:54.120] Because the heritage aspect of it,
[13:54.120 -> 13:55.560] the marketing aspect of it,
[13:55.560 -> 13:57.800] is it still as valuable as it was before?
[13:59.600 -> 14:01.080] You know what Samuel,
[14:01.080 -> 14:06.400] I think people who are giving very clear, who are taking very clear
[14:06.400 -> 14:10.820] sides on this whole Monaco discussion fall in two very distinct categories in
[14:10.820 -> 14:17.520] my view. First is those who have actually seen a Formula One car live across
[14:17.520 -> 14:22.640] around the circuit of Monaco and those who have only seen it and heard about it
[14:22.640 -> 14:27.680] on TV and you know podcasts and and read about it right
[14:27.680 -> 14:33.600] so to me the discussion about Monaco seems a little baseless at this moment because I'm one
[14:33.600 -> 14:40.320] of those who would say you know what keep Monaco it is still the crown jewel it is still historic
[14:40.320 -> 14:46.080] it is still such a legendary circuit but yes can we try and see if we can make some changes
[14:46.080 -> 14:47.940] to get Monaco to be more interesting?
[14:47.940 -> 14:50.540] Because depending again on who you ask,
[14:50.540 -> 14:54.120] I don't think the problem is the circuit.
[14:54.120 -> 14:56.900] I think the problem are these cars, right?
[14:56.900 -> 15:00.460] And again, whether it's the 2021 car or the 2022 car,
[15:00.460 -> 15:04.540] just the fact that these cars are big and bulky and wide
[15:04.540 -> 15:05.360] is what makes
[15:05.360 -> 15:11.080] Monaco such a boring race and you know my favorite way to explain Monaco is
[15:11.080 -> 15:16.720] that despite having all the elements to make it as unpredictable as possible, it
[15:16.720 -> 15:21.760] still gives us a very predictable Grand Prix weekend. We have all the glamorous
[15:21.760 -> 15:26.080] parties, we have those daredevilry pole position
[15:26.080 -> 15:32.200] qualifying laps on a Saturday and then we more often than not have a boring
[15:32.200 -> 15:37.560] race on Sunday, right, which is pretty monica I would say. So again you know I
[15:37.560 -> 15:41.560] still go back to saying it's not the circuit it's the cars and yes we found
[15:41.560 -> 15:48.840] ourselves in this situation, it shouldn't just be that we give Formula One drivers Formula E cars to go racing on that one weekend
[15:48.840 -> 15:55.560] of the year but it's about you know it's about making sure that
[15:55.560 -> 16:00.080] Monaco stays on the calendar because another puzzling part for me Samuel is
[16:00.080 -> 16:06.600] that Monaco's place in the Formula One calendar, and I don't just mean the physical date,
[16:06.600 -> 16:10.640] I mean the emotion that it comes with,
[16:10.640 -> 16:11.960] you know, the crown jewel,
[16:11.960 -> 16:13.360] this is where all the money's made,
[16:13.360 -> 16:15.220] all the big celebrities are seen,
[16:15.220 -> 16:16.840] that is being questioned
[16:17.880 -> 16:20.960] even before a single lap has been driven
[16:20.960 -> 16:23.560] in Las Vegas and in Miami.
[16:23.560 -> 16:26.520] And suddenly it's this assumption that Las Vegas and in Miami. And suddenly, it's this assumption
[16:26.520 -> 16:29.800] that Las Vegas and Miami will just automatically bring
[16:29.800 -> 16:31.460] all the money and the celebrities
[16:31.460 -> 16:35.080] and market Formula One as a very aspirational and a premium
[16:35.080 -> 16:35.560] sport.
[16:35.560 -> 16:37.720] So I think let's not just jump the gun, guys.
[16:40.600 -> 16:43.120] But you've got to wonder, Kunal, because Formula One now
[16:43.120 -> 16:46.000] is a TV spectacle, isn't it?
[16:46.000 -> 16:48.040] And we can't change the cars anymore.
[16:48.040 -> 16:50.560] Formula 1 is clear that this is the direction we're going with.
[16:50.560 -> 16:52.720] So we just can't go any other way.
[16:52.720 -> 16:53.960] We are going for longer cars.
[16:53.960 -> 16:54.960] We are going for wider cars.
[16:54.960 -> 16:59.800] And yes, we've seen that Formula E cars can produce a much better show at the circuit.
[16:59.800 -> 17:03.560] But if that's not happening, you've got to wonder if it's still fit for purpose, because
[17:03.560 -> 17:08.200] many times it has happened that cricket teams and football teams and most notably American football teams
[17:08.200 -> 17:13.200] have kind of demolished their old stadiums and moved on because it just wasn't big enough for them anymore.
[17:13.200 -> 17:16.800] Is Formula One too big for Monaco now in that sense?
[17:16.800 -> 17:21.200] I mean literally because of the cars, but also because at the end of the day it's a TV spectacle
[17:21.200 -> 17:28.640] and one might wonder, well it doesn't matter where they race so long as to produce a good show and Monaco is consistently not making up for a good show
[17:28.640 -> 17:31.440] So I think that that that is one aspect, isn't it?
[17:32.500 -> 17:34.500] I think what you're saying is very
[17:34.580 -> 17:41.120] True, it also brings into focus what Toto Wolff just said a few days ago. He said do fans
[17:41.820 -> 17:45.320] Watching on television really care where Formula One races so
[17:45.320 -> 17:50.440] long as there is entertainment so long as there is you know good racing that
[17:50.440 -> 17:56.680] happens and I'll put it this way that every circuit on the calendar is known
[17:56.680 -> 18:02.480] for some certain characteristics like Baku for example is known for its really
[18:02.480 -> 18:05.920] long massive straights that end up having some sort
[18:05.920 -> 18:09.880] of entertainment and Baku being one of the more recent circuits added.
[18:09.880 -> 18:14.760] If you speak to you know one of the old timers Monza will always be known for the Parabolica
[18:14.760 -> 18:22.000] and the Les Moores, Suzuka will be known for the S's and the Degners and the like.
[18:22.000 -> 18:26.080] So to me Monaco of course has its own, you know, corners as well,
[18:26.080 -> 18:29.400] like the swimming pool section or the Rascas or something.
[18:29.400 -> 18:31.760] But pretty much all of Monaco
[18:31.760 -> 18:35.360] is what is the challenge for Formula One.
[18:35.360 -> 18:37.280] It's not just one corner or the other.
[18:37.280 -> 18:40.580] It's the very fact that you're racing so quick,
[18:40.580 -> 18:41.880] so close to the barriers,
[18:41.880 -> 18:44.080] especially in these big bulky cars.
[18:44.080 -> 19:05.580] So the challenge of Monacoaco at least in my view isn't something that is offered by any other circuit in entirety on the current calendar so yes we've got some high speed circuits, street circuits like Jetta that we just you know sort of raced at but it still didn't offer the kind of challenge that Monaco offers you know
[19:05.580 -> 19:10.840] with the whole circuit layout that it's got so unless we are able to sort of
[19:10.840 -> 19:16.120] bring that in elsewhere I don't understand why Monaco's place is
[19:16.120 -> 19:19.520] suddenly being questioned and maybe actually Somal this is a good time to
[19:19.520 -> 19:24.720] ask why is Monaco's position suddenly being put under question and the obvious
[19:24.720 -> 19:26.440] thing is a calendar is expanding.
[19:26.440 -> 19:30.320] There are more races that are being placed
[19:30.320 -> 19:31.720] in different markets around the world.
[19:31.720 -> 19:35.960] So something has to give way, somebody has to give way.
[19:35.960 -> 19:39.240] Monaco's contract expires at the end of this race,
[19:39.240 -> 19:42.280] which is in the end of May.
[19:42.280 -> 19:44.800] So I believe all these conversations, of course,
[19:44.800 -> 19:49.840] are tactics to put pressure on Monaco to sign on terms
[19:50.580 -> 19:54.580] that actually favor Formula One more than Monaco,
[19:54.580 -> 19:59.360] because up until now, the terms that were always signed off
[19:59.360 -> 20:02.960] on favored Monaco more than Formula One.
[20:02.960 -> 20:06.000] So it's Formula One saying, hey, let's now talk as equals
[20:06.000 -> 20:09.080] or hey, maybe I'm still, I'm getting bigger a sport
[20:09.080 -> 20:12.080] than you're getting bigger as a Grand Prix.
[20:12.080 -> 20:14.480] Yeah, that's a good point.
[20:14.480 -> 20:17.280] But what I'm really interested to see is
[20:17.280 -> 20:18.960] if we call Monaco the crown jewel,
[20:18.960 -> 20:20.800] shouldn't we be doing more to make it feel
[20:20.800 -> 20:21.920] like the crown jewel?
[20:21.920 -> 20:24.840] Now, this kind of comes up with Indianapolis.
[20:24.840 -> 20:27.720] Now Indianapolis is, again, just like Monaco,
[20:27.720 -> 20:31.360] much unlike any other circuit on the calendar.
[20:31.360 -> 20:33.000] It has its own challenges,
[20:33.000 -> 20:34.600] a whole different structure to the weekend,
[20:34.600 -> 20:36.400] but because of the different structure to the weekend,
[20:36.400 -> 20:38.160] because of the different point structure,
[20:38.160 -> 20:39.720] because of all the extra glamor added,
[20:39.720 -> 20:42.360] Indianapolis literally feels like the crown jewel
[20:42.360 -> 20:43.200] of the Indy 500,
[20:43.200 -> 20:45.920] because of the IndyCar series I mean to say because
[20:45.920 -> 20:50.160] they've kind of given a separate prestige to it. With Monaco there's that prestige but
[20:50.160 -> 20:54.600] it's only like a virtual prestige there's no real prize added to it nothing extra as
[20:54.600 -> 20:59.040] such so maybe Kunal do you think that would kind of work out as well maybe adding that
[20:59.040 -> 21:04.280] extra points based prestige to Monaco if if it really is that much of a challenge or because
[21:04.280 -> 21:08.200] normally as it is right now with the same amount of points same we can
[21:08.200 -> 21:11.460] structure everything quite like that it just feels like yet another race but
[21:11.460 -> 21:15.400] just one race that's not as entertaining on TV at least again you could tell
[21:15.400 -> 21:18.360] that that's that's the kind of opinion of someone who's not been to Monaco for
[21:18.360 -> 21:25.580] a race but there's that. I'll put it this way Samuel that at the end of the day there are two separate
[21:25.580 -> 21:33.100] metrics for discussion here. As a fan you and I want entertaining races and for
[21:33.100 -> 21:38.420] that could the promoters of course do something to try and change the layout a
[21:38.420 -> 21:43.400] little bit to try and add some more spaces where overtaking could at least
[21:43.400 -> 21:45.000] be made possible.
[21:51.160 -> 21:51.400] Now, the answer to this is it's not as easy because, hey, it's literally around the historic streets of Monaco.
[21:59.520 -> 22:08.160] Right. So that's something the only the FIA and the promoters can sit down and see what is it that they can do to try and make, to try and increase the raceability, as Ross Brown puts it, around the streets of Monaco. So that's what a fan is expecting, that hey,
[22:08.160 -> 22:12.320] let's race in Monaco, I don't care, but give me better racing. I don't want it to
[22:12.320 -> 22:15.440] be that, you know, the qualifying order is pretty
[22:15.440 -> 22:18.800] much what the race order could be, unless there are some movements that happen in
[22:18.800 -> 22:23.680] the pit stops, right? But the metric that Stefano Dominicali,
[22:23.680 -> 22:25.320] Formula One, and the entire team is
[22:25.320 -> 22:30.640] following is I just need more money from Monaco to justify its place, I just need
[22:30.640 -> 22:34.620] more terms that are more favorable to Formula One to justify its place in
[22:34.620 -> 22:40.720] Formula One. We will then figure how to justify the lack of overtaking that
[22:40.720 -> 22:50.960] could happen even if we end up racing in Monaco for the next five years. So my view is that if Formula One gets the terms it wants from Monaco, we will still
[22:50.960 -> 22:53.440] end up racing in Monaco come 2023.
[22:53.440 -> 22:54.440] Yeah, exactly.
[22:54.440 -> 22:59.240] I mean, if Formula One can justify a lack of safety and security in Saudi Arabia, they
[22:59.240 -> 23:02.080] can surely justify a lack of overtakes, right?
[23:02.080 -> 23:03.880] That's not a major problem.
[23:03.880 -> 23:07.240] That shouldn't be a major issue as such. I don't know Kunal I feel like this
[23:07.240 -> 23:11.000] relationship with Monaco is a lot like the relationship with Ferrari that
[23:11.000 -> 23:15.440] Formula One and Ferrari just often tend to pull away in other directions and
[23:15.440 -> 23:18.680] kind of look at their own self-interest but at the end of the day you can't
[23:18.680 -> 23:22.040] imagine the sport without them I don't think Ferrari and Monaco are ever going
[23:22.040 -> 23:36.000] to go away regardless of what the whole situation with the cars or the promoter or the racing is going to be like, but I just think that if we really want to make better racing in the long run, just make the cars smaller and maybe less wide and maybe more nimble and agile.
[23:36.000 -> 23:40.000] Okay, I'm a 2000s Formula One fan, but there's that, but this new generation looks exciting.
[23:40.000 -> 23:45.360] I think we should still judge Monaco on what's going to come up and hopefully these cars can end up being good and
[23:45.600 -> 23:48.240] Maybe that'll be a good litmus test of sorts, wouldn't it?
[23:49.520 -> 23:55.480] Could be and you know since the since new cars can't be changed and knowing how Liberty Media's
[23:55.480 -> 23:59.300] You know had such a hands-on approach in changing things in Formula One
[23:59.300 -> 24:06.080] I would trust them to find a commercial solution that works for Formula One, as well as a sporting solution that
[24:06.080 -> 24:10.320] helps get us good racing in Monaco as well.
[24:10.320 -> 24:14.160] So I just hope that we see Monaco for several more
[24:14.160 -> 24:14.760] years to come.
[24:14.760 -> 24:18.400] I think that challenge is still something
[24:18.400 -> 24:21.840] that no other circuit offers, at least on the current Formula
[24:21.840 -> 24:23.240] One calendar.
[24:23.240 -> 24:24.640] No, likewise.
[24:24.640 -> 24:26.400] It is quite something in terms of the glamour,
[24:26.400 -> 24:28.440] in terms of the whole weekend, in terms of the prestige,
[24:28.440 -> 24:30.640] but I don't know, you just got to find a way
[24:30.640 -> 24:31.720] to make it more entertaining,
[24:31.720 -> 24:34.880] because then the association with Monaco becomes a dud.
[24:34.880 -> 24:36.160] Nobody's going to want to watch that.
[24:36.160 -> 24:38.040] And that shouldn't be the case at all.
[24:38.040 -> 24:40.280] But folks, that's just our thoughts on Sebastian Vettel
[24:40.280 -> 24:41.960] and Monaco on the whole.
[24:41.960 -> 24:43.280] What are your takes on that?
[24:43.280 -> 24:45.200] And I know that you will have quite a few
[24:45.200 -> 24:50.040] of those because this is a bit of an incendiary like topic that kind of will enrage quite a few
[24:50.040 -> 24:54.680] flames. But folks, let us know your thoughts on social media. Leave a good rating to the podcast
[24:54.680 -> 24:59.680] if you enjoyed what you heard in this past few moments. And of course, leave a good like, leave
[24:59.680 -> 25:03.640] a share, whatever the good stuff you have to do on the internet. And folks, thank you for watching.
[25:03.640 -> 25:08.160] Thank you for listening. And we shall be back with the Imola Grand Prix or the sorry uh Grand Premier
[25:08.160 -> 25:12.640] to the Imola Romagna Grand Prix coverage right here on the Inside Line F1 Podcast and Pittsburgh
[25:12.640 -> None] Podium rather soon. Bye-bye. you