Exclusive-Vegas puts Monaco's future into focus, says Brown

LONDON : Las Vegas will be a stunning addition to the Formula One calendar next year but will also put into focus the future of Monaco's showcase grand prix, according to McLaren boss Zak Brown.

It has long been a given that the sport needs the heritage and glamour of the Mediterranean principality, with its casino and superyachts, but the announcement this week of Las Vegas offers glitz on another level.

In what is already a competitive marketplace, relatively new floodlit races in Singapore, Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia also attract billionaires and business leaders and Miami is joining the show this year.

Brown told Reuters Las Vegas was a perfect fit for Formula One and three U.S. races was the right number.

Asked about Monaco's future on a crowded calendar, the American said the principality faced increasing commercial pressures in a changing world.

"Monaco always stood for the most glamorous part of Formula One. I think Miami, Singapore, Las Vegas are starting to add some pretty glamorous markets," he said.

"I think Monaco needs to come up to the same commercial terms as other grands prix and also maybe needs to work with ways they can adapt their track because as our cars have become bigger, the racing has become more difficult."

Monaco, whose street-circuit race is typically a procession with overtaking almost impossible, has paid far less than others in hosting fees but the contract is up for renewal.

"You do need to take into consideration history but then I think you need to take into consideration how's the show that it puts on," said Brown.

"There is also an element, which shouldn’t drive our decisions but should be part of our decisions, of what’s the economic contribution to the sport.

"I’d much rather have Monaco