F1 agrees new deal with Monaco Grand Prix with major date change in future

F1 has agreed a new six-year deal with the Monaco Grand Prix, keeping the famous race on the calendar until 2031 inclusive.

The race in the principality featured on the first F1 world championship calendar in 1950 and has been an ever-present since 1955.

While the 3.3km circuit has been criticised for its lack of overtaking opportunities – and the tight, twisty layout of the track will not change – it is still considered one of the sport’s most iconic races with home hero Charles Leclerc winning this year’s grand prix.

However, the new £25m-a-year contract extension comes with a date alteration: the event on the French Riviera has traditionally taken place in late May, but from 2026 the event will be contested on the first full weekend in June each year.

F1 states this is to make the calendar “sustainable for all stakeholders”, as the sport continues to push for a net zero carbon target by 2030.

Madrid will be a new venue in 2026, while Monaco usually takes place close to the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal. The full calendar for ‘26 is yet to be confirmed, though rotational races are now on the table for some European venues.

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said: “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.

“I would like to extend a special thanks to H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, Michel Boeri, President of the Automobile Club of Monaco and everyone involved in the extension of this important partnership.

“This agreement signals a new era of partnership and innovation between Formula 1 and Monaco.”

The Monaco Grand Prix has extended its contract with F1 until 2031 (Getty Images)
The Monaco Grand Prix has extended its contract with F1 until 2031 (Getty Images)
Charles Leclerc celebrates winning the 2024 Monaco Grand Prix (Getty Images)
Charles Leclerc celebrates winning the 2024 Monaco Grand Prix (Getty Images)

The 2024 race was watched by over 70 million fans worldwide as Leclerc fended off the challenge of Oscar Piastri to win his home race.

The 2025 edition will be the 75th anniversary of the race’s official debut in F1.

“I would particularly like to thank H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, Stefano Domenicali, and everyone involved in the extension of this contract,” said Michel Boeri, president of the Automobile Club of Monaco.

“The signing of this new agreement with the Formula One Group until 2031 not only confirms the strength of our relationship but reaffirms our commitment to offering all visitors an unrivalled, first-class experience at race weekends.

“The Monaco Grand Prix is the most important sporting event here and continues to attract hundreds of thousands of spectators to the Principality and millions of global television viewers worldwide.”