Michael Schumacher believes the Monaco Grand Prix contradicts everything Formula 1 has done to improve safety in recent years, but says the risks are justified once a year.
The close barriers and very limited run-off mean the track likely wouldn’t pass the FIA’s strict grade one rating. However the circuit is given special status because of its history.
Most recently Sergio Perez crashed heavily during qualifying in 2011 and had to miss the race on Sunday and the following Canadian GP due to concussion when his car hit the barriers upon exiting the tunnel.
Whilst improvements have been made, the dangers remain obvious, but Schumacher is adamant they’re justified.
“Monaco is just a circuit of its own very unique character,” said the German. “In a way, you could look at it with a big portion of irony with regards to the contradiction that, for so many years we have successfully campaigned for more track safety, and then we deliberately race in Monaco.
“But in my view this is justifiable once a year, especially as the circuit is really so much fun to drive. Every time you go there, you just look forward to finally getting out and driving the track.”
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