The Revival of a Classic: Has F1s historic broadcasting change redeemed the Monaco Grand Prix?

Did the Monaco GP feel a bit different this year, maybe even better? Yes the drivers were exceptional and put on a great show, but I can’t help but wonder if the new broadcasting production had a role to play in how enjoyable the race was.

Despite the rain shower and chaos that commenced, there was no denying that the coverage ensured an engaging and exciting race.

This year was the first time in two decades that Formula 1 had control of television covering - ending a longstanding grip on the event from local broadcasters. 2023 marks the first in a three-year deal between F1 and the Automobile Club of Monaco (ACM), in the short-term stamping out doubts about the future of the blue-ribbon race.

Throughout the 2000s, F1 brought the production of many races in-house, with one team usually on-site in the paddock and supported remotely at its facility in Biggin Hill.

But while all other races changed to follow that uniform process, Monaco has remained the exception to the rule. The 'Crown Jewel' of the F1 calendar has enjoyed special treatment in a number of ways, perhaps most notably in that organisers pay a substantially lower hosting fee than others around the world.

However, while it was once unthinkable that Monaco's place on the F1 calendar might be under threat, that appears to no longer be the case. Modern races on the tight street track have largely been dull affairs in recent years, with overtaking very difficult especially now that the cars are so large. Whilst the danger makes qualifying thrilling viewing, the main race is often devoid of much action.

In recent years, fans have criticised the broadcast feed produced by Tele Monte Carlo for the Grand Prix. One notable incident occurred during the 2021 Monaco Grand Prix, when a replay of Lance Stroll running wide at the Swimming Pool complex interrupted a side-by-side battle between Sebastian Vettel and Pierre Gasly up Beau Rivage to Massenet.

While the overall broadcasting quality of Formula 1 has generally improved over the past decade, the quality of the Monaco broadcast has remained stagnant - until this weekend.

Helicopter camera footage, new and unique angles and of course the onboard cameras brought fans even closer to the on-track action like never before.

So often with street circuits you get no sense of the city beyond the track barriers. But the aerial shots taken from a helicopter allowed viewers to see Monaco in all its glory and showcase the complexity of the track.