Wolff: Monaco layout changes likely 'wishful thinking'

Toto Wolff says talk of tweaking Monaco's layout to improve overtaking around the track in the future is likely "wishful thinking".

The Mercedes F1 boss was as frustrated as Lewis Hamilton after last Sunday's round of racing in the Principality where the Briton had spent almost his entire afternoon peering at the rear wing of Fernando Alonso's Alpine.

Despite Alonso running at one point in the race five seconds slower than the seven-time world champion, Hamilton was still unable to find a way past the Spaniard.

Wolff emphasized once again that "track position is everything" at Monaco and suggested that the Principality should consider a layout modification to improve the spectacle on the track.

"Five seconds is like an F2 car but yeah, I think we need to look," said the Austrian.

"This is such a spectacle here, such a fantastic venue and always amazing to be here, but we need to maybe look at the layout, where we can basically do a lap five seconds slower and you still can't overtake."

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The Automobile Club de Monaco and Formula One Management have yet to agree to a new contract for 2023 and beyond.

While Wolff would welcome a layout modification as part of Monaco's new deal, the Mercedes boss isn't holding his breath.

"I think there's a commercial debate to be held but both parties clearly will find a compromise because we need Monaco and Monaco needs Formula 1," Wolff said.

"With the track layout, maybe it's wishful thinking. I wouldn't know where else we can drive than around these roads, and the tunnel is already fast, but I don't know what can be done.

"Maybe we can just get rid of the chicane [after] the tunnel and make it a long straight. And then Tabac, I don't know... Tabac would be too fast.

"Maybe [add] some braking there but this is the track designer speaking here who has no clue..."

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