In the eyes of many within the sport it is the most glamorous event on the calendar, while in the eyes of many fans it is an anomaly, the original street track that puts style very much over substance.

Nonetheless, since the formation of the Formula One World Championship in 1950 - indeed long before - the streets of Monaco have hosted a Grand Prix, along with Italy and (for now) Britain one of the ever presents on the calendar.

However, while a question mark hangs over the future of the British Grand Prix, so too there is doubt as to the future of Ferrari, leaving some fearing that the only time the prancing horse will be seen on the streets of the Principality post-2020 is in historic events or adorning the supercars of the rich and (in)famous.

Prince Albert II, admits his fear that Sergio Marchionne might carry out his threat to take Ferrari out of F1, the Italian team having made no secret of its unease with the sport's new owner's plans for the future, be it in terms of engine regulations or the all-important prize pot.

"It's true that Ferrari and Monaco are the two most important things to F1," he told The Independent. "There is such a history and such a mystique around the name of Ferrari and the success that it has had.

"The whole imagery and legend of the red cars and what they mean to the world of automobiles and racing itself. It is hard to imagine F1 without them."

However, at a time the likes of Zak Brown at McLaren and Christian Horner at Red Bull are clearly taking sides ahead of what could be a damaging stand-off for the sport, Prince Albert is not siding with Ferrari (and Mercedes), indeed, he is impressed with many of the changes Liberty has made in its first year in charge.

"I think this new emphasis on more communication and a show is good for the overall image," he says. "Of course it complicates the procedures a bit but I think it's interesting, especially to attract a new public and have more exposure to different markets, different age groups and different levels.

"F1 has to keep appealing to sports fans and not only to motor racing fans but to possibly a wider public," he admits, "I don't know if it's only social media or different electronic devices that will do that.

"How to establish more of a personal link to the drivers and to the teams - these are things that you have to think of."

A keen environmentalist, Prince Alert was an early supporter of the all-electric Formula E series, and welcomed the series to the streets of the Principality for the first time last year. He believes that in time race fans will warm to the series and that it could eventually rival F1.

"I think there is space for both F1 and Formula E," he says. "Of course there is a great nostalgia that goes around the historic formula, and that is very much a part of the history we try to showcase in Monaco. But I think certainly, in terms of interest, it will take a few years but it will slowly become a rival, especially if big name drivers join the formula."

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by BrightonCorgi, 29/03/2018 14:26

"If safety was truly FIA's concern; Monaco would have been dropped a long time ago.

I don't even think Ferrari needs a rival series; sports car racing may be enough. They could certainly elevate the series bringing in more sponsorship and fans. Does not need to be open wheel racing. How many consumers buy open wheel cars?

"

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2. Posted by Fambank, 28/03/2018 18:37

"I would love to see Liberty double dare both Ferrari and Mercedes over quitting F1.
Let them think they can start a rival series where teams would join up with :
A. 100 million disadvantage
B. Garanteed losing to either of them
I think not. And as F1 is way too expensive for 99 % of the automotive industry,
you are basically stuck with the teams that are in it already."

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3. Posted by TestaRossa, 28/03/2018 16:26

"Circus Monaco sooo boring - Yawn- Zzzz ... cut it out please"

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4. Posted by ClarkwasGod, 28/03/2018 14:44

"@ nonickname - You forgot to mention that this is the GP where 95% of sponsor deals and major hospitality is conducted - so not important then.......and that cameras can get within millimetres of the cars as they skim the barriers.
It's about the only track where lack of overtaking is not such an issue to watch."

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5. Posted by nonickname, 28/03/2018 14:05

"If we were logical people we would accept that F1 does not need Monaco.It is a stupid circuit for anything bigger than ago kart. No run off,no overtaking no nothing. Oh yes the prince and a place to show your yacht. Sorry"

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Prince Albert of Monaco: F1 needs Ferrari

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