Monaco gets 10 more years
Manufacturers revolt forces Ben Sulayem retreat while Monaco secures unlikely F1 lifeline through 2035
You are receiving this email because you subscribed to Business of Speed, the newsletter for those wanting to stay ahead on what’s happening behind the scenes. I’m Vincenzo Landino, a business, tech, and F1 commentator. I’ve spent the last ten years at the intersection of content, partnerships, and the business of motorsport. This newsletter is where I break down what’s working, what’s shifting, and what’s next without the PR gloss. Thank you for being here.
Monaco Secures F1 Future Through 2035 Despite Ongoing Criticism
The Monaco Grand Prix extended its Formula 1 contract by four years, ensuring the iconic street race remains on the calendar through 2035. The extension comes despite persistent criticism of Monaco's racing spectacle and organizational shortcomings, highlighting the event's unique commercial and historical value.
Liberty Media has successfully leveraged Monaco's desperation to remain in F1, securing higher fees and taking control of trackside signage and VIP hospitality. The Principality's tourism industry, which accounts for 15% of annual revenue, has stagnated, with hotel occupancy remaining at 55% and visitor numbers barely recovering to pre-pandemic levels.
The deal positions Monaco alongside Madrid (2035), with only Bahrain (2036), Australia (2037), Miami, and Austria (both 2041) having longer commitments. Prince Albert's personal involvement in negotiations proved crucial, overriding the traditionally difficult approach of 86-year-old Automobile Club de Monaco President Michel Boeri.
The extension reflects Formula 1's continued expansion strategy, with 16 of the 24 current venues now secured into the 2030s, as Liberty Media attempts to balance historic European races with lucrative new markets.
Alpine's Struggles Deepen as Briatore Admits Strategic Mistakes
Alpine's disastrous 2025 campaign reached new lows as team boss Flavio Briatore publicly acknowledged multiple strategic errors. The team sits last in the Constructors' Championship despite switching to Mercedes power units for 2026, with Briatore admitting mistakes in driver management and car development.
The 75-year-old Italian specifically criticized his handling of Franco Colapinto, who replaced Jack Doohan mid-season but has failed to score points. "Maybe it was not the time to have Franco in F1," Briatore stated, suggesting the Argentine needed another year of development before making the jump.
Briatore also admitted Alpine made "a mistake to not have any steps from the beginning of the season to now" in car development, focusing entirely on 2026 regulations at the expense of current competitiveness. The decision to abandon Renault's engine program in favor of Mercedes customer units represents the team's biggest gamble.
Despite the struggles, new Renault CEO François Provost reaffirmed the company's F1 commitment during his first visit to the paddock at Monza, dismissing speculation about a potential sale. Pierre Gasly's contract extension through 2028 provides some stability, though Alpine's second seat for 2026 remains unfilled.
FIA Engine Revolution Stalls as Manufacturers Resist V8 Push
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem's ambitious plan to replace Formula 1's turbo-hybrid engines with naturally aspirated V8s by 2029 collapsed this week. The governing body canceled a crucial manufacturer summit scheduled for September 11 after failing to secure the required majority support for the dramatic rule change.
Ben Sulayem's proposal centered on 2.4-liter V8 engines running on sustainable fuel with reduced hybridization—a significant departure from the current 1.6-liter turbo-hybrids, which will increase electric power to 50% by 2026. Honda and Audi reportedly led manufacturer resistance, arguing the timeline was too aggressive and would undermine their substantial investments in hybrid technology.
This marks the second major setback for Ben Sulayem in engine regulation, following the rejection of his V10 proposal in April. Power unit manufacturers aim to maintain hybrid systems and turbocharging while pursuing sustainable fuels, viewing electrification as essential for F1's future relevance.
The FIA retains the freedom to impose new regulations from 2031 when current governance agreements expire, though any unilateral action risks manufacturer departures. The standoff highlights growing tensions between the FIA's desire for simpler, cheaper engines and manufacturers' push for road-relevant hybrid technology.
Formula 2 Silly Season Heats Up with Herta Wild Card
The Formula 2 driver market is facing unprecedented disruption with Colton Herta's shock entry and most of the 2026 seats already filled. Championship leader Leonardo Fornaroli appears destined for Alpine's second seat if Flavio Briatore continues his strategy of recruiting well-funded youngsters.
Hitech potentially offers Herta's best opportunity, with Luke Browning expected to move to Williams as reserve driver. The British team, co-owned by Toyota Gazoo Racing, would provide Herta with competitive machinery and Toyota's technical support.
Other confirmed moves include Red Bull backing Nikola Tsolov and Noel León at Campos Racing, while Dino Beganovic joins DAMS with Ferrari support. The late Formula 2 season finale in Abu Dhabi creates additional complications, as the championship standings remain unknown until December.
Prema Racing's financial troubles cast uncertainty over multiple junior formulas, with owner Deborah Mayer seeking to recoup $40 million in IndyCar investments while facing legal battles with Lamborghini. The French heiress's potential exit could significantly reshape the landscape of junior motorsport.
You are receiving this email because you subscribed to Business of Speed, the newsletter for those wanting to stay ahead on what’s happening behind the scenes. I’m Vincenzo Landino, a business, tech, and F1 commentator. I’ve spent the last ten years at the intersection of content, partnerships, and the business of motorsport. This newsletter is where I break down what’s working, what’s shifting, and what’s next without the PR gloss. Thank you for being here.
