Monaco's city centre remains in the loop as F1 extends Grand Prix contract

Formula 1 has extended a contract with the Monaco Grand Prix for six more years with the iconic city circuit being assured of its place until 2031.

"I'm delighted," F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali said.

"The streets of Monte Carlo are unique and a famous part of Formula 1, and the Monaco Grand Prix remains a race that all drivers dream of winning."

Under the new deal with the Automobile Club of Monaco, starting in 2026, the grand prix will be contested on the first full weekend in June.

Next year's race is on May 25 and will mark the 75th anniversary of its official F1 debut. The first race in Monaco took place in 1929.

Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc won this year, becoming the first local to win the grand prix.

That weekend was the most watched edition of the race in US history, and the third most-viewed F1 race of all time in the US, F1 said.

Earlier this week, the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA)announced Formula 1 race director Niels Wittich is to be replaced in a surprise move with three races to go and the title yet to be decided.

The FIA, said on Tuesday that Wittich had "stepped down" and would be replaced starting from next week's Las Vegas Grand Prix by Rui Marques, who had been race director for Formula 2 and 3.

In a statement, without explaining the timing of his departure, the FIA said it "can confirm that Niels Wittich has stepped down from his position as F1 race director to pursue new opportunities.

"Niels has fulfilled his numerous responsibilities as race director with professionalism and dedication. We thank him for his commitment and we wish him the best for the future."

The FIA added that Marques "brings a wealth of experience" to the role.

However, German publication motorsport-magazin.com later quoted Wittich, who is German, as saying: "I did not resign."

The FIA did not immediately comment on the report.