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F1 Today | Monaco remains in F1, another leading figure leaves the FIA
It is now official: the Monaco Grand Prix will remain on the F1 calendar, the competition announced today. Another important figure has left the FIA, and Jacques Villeneuve has stood up for Sergio Perez. GPblog brings you the best news of the day from the world of F1!
F1 stay loyal to Monaco
On Thursday, it was announced that there is now one less circuit that has to worry about its place on the Formula One calendar. The famous Monaco Grand Prix will remain until at least the 2031, signing a six-year extension. However, the Grand Prix at the Principality will be moved to the first weekend of June. "I’m delighted that Formula 1 will continue to race in Monaco until 2031. The streets of Monte Carlo are unique and a famous part of Formula 1, and the Monaco Grand Prix remains a race that all drivers dream of winning," F1's CEO and President Stefano Domenicali said about the contract extension.s
Wittich backed, another important figure leaves the FIA
Two days ago, it was announced that (now former) F1 Race Director Niels Wittich will leave his position with immediate effect. The FIA reported that is because he will look for new opportunites, however, rumours suggest he was let go by the federation. Former driver Christian Danner backed the Wittich, saying he was 'completely impartial'.
Today, another leading figure's departure was announced by BBC Sport. The British medium learned that F1's Compliance Officer, Paolo Basarri was also let go. "I cannot comment on this," the Italian reacted when he was asked for a comment. According to the British public broadcaster, Basarri was let go because FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem 'lost faith in him'.
Villeneuve defends Perez, amused by McLaren
According to the 1997 world champion, who doesn't shy away from criticising drivers and teams alike, Sergio Perez will stay at Red Bull Racing for the 2025 season. Among other things, Villeneuve underlined that Max Verstappen is also happy with having the Mexican driver as his teammate, he told Grosvenor Sport. Talking exclusively to GPblog, former 24h of Le Mans champion in the LMP2 category, Jeroen Bleekemolen also shared his verdict on the situation, saying that Perez is 'like a cat, but with 25 lives instead of nine'.
The Canadian driver also found Andrea Stella's comments following the Sao Paulo Grand Prix strange. While McLaren pointed to the fact that the constructors' title is more important for them after Max Verstappen could pull away from Lando Norris in the standings, Villeneuve could only disagree. "That is very odd. That's what teams that don't win say. Ok, the constructors' title brings you money. But nobody cares about the constructors’," he concluded.
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