Like the race winner in the legendary pool on Sunday, Formula 1 in Monaco also dives into its own world full of glamour, luxury and stars. The historically most important race in the premier class of motorsport is in a league of its own. In addition to the number of world championship titles and race victories, successes on the narrow streets of the principality count among the drivers when it comes to fame and prestige. No wonder, since no other Grand Prix has written as many stories in recent decades as the one in Monte Carlo. Anyone who thinks of themselves comes as a VIP guest in the paddock at the Monaco GP and poses with Lewis Hamilton and Co. for a photo.

What other races, like the one in Miami, want to copy with show and entertainment, has always been the norm in Monte Carlo: luxury at any price. With these homages, it seems quite astonishing why in the recent past there has been repeated discussion about an end to the race in the principality. Above all, the younger fans of the premier class lack the excitement, overtaking maneuvers are almost impossible on the narrow street circuit. Monaco thrives on tradition and Formula 1 under the new owner Liberty Media seems to be moving further and further away from this. The boom, especially in the USA, proves that those responsible are right, at least financially. It remains to be seen to what extent the development of new markets actually works.

Because apparently there are actually hundreds of thousands of Americans at the moment who are willing to put horrendous sums on the table in Miami, Austin or later in the year, especially at the premiere in Las Vegas. But the US television numbers in Miami, for example, were slightly worse in 2023 than last year – and are still under half the ratings of the American NASCAR series.