Monaco’s F1 Preparations Spark Controversy

Monaco’s streets are almost like a second home to Formula 1, but there really isn’t much room to spare. So, if a team needs to expand—perhaps to make room for a motorhome or a hospitality area—space is at a premium.

This led to an unexpected solution: tearing down an elementary school. Seems a bit extreme, right? Yet, what other options were there?

Before anyone gets too upset, let’s remember that for kids, the dream of seeing their old school bulldozed might, oddly enough, seem exciting. And what they’re getting in return is a pretty impressive motorhome—arguably one of the coolest seen in F1.

I honestly hadn’t considered that bringing Cadillac into the F1 fold would require such drastic changes at certain venues. And Monaco is certainly one of those locations.

According to F1 photographer Kim Il-man, demolition work on the school started the very next day after last year’s race.

I can’t say I’m thrilled about bulldozing schools, but I appreciate Monaco’s commitment to making the race happen.

Of course, the kids didn’t stop learning. They were transferred to another school so Cadillac could set up an enormous modular camper that needed 21 trucks to transport.

It’s really quite a sight. These campers are crucial in F1—they’re not just for show. They serve as dining areas, meeting spots, and offices, as well as places to entertain sponsors and make a strong impression.

This weekend, Cadillac had its best showing so far in Monaco, though Day One didn’t exactly end on a high note.

Sergio Perez managed to finish the first practice session in 14th place, but FP2 was cut short due to a brake fire that filled the cockpit with smoke.

For anyone unfamiliar with F1, this isn’t the ideal situation. On the bright side, if Perez made it back to the paddock, there was a pretty nice area to relax in where the school once stood.