Monaco Grand Prix

• Essentials
  • Overview
  • Basics
  • Getting there
  • Getting around
• City sights
  • Top sights
  • Tourist trail
  • Nearby trips
  • Grand Prix
• Things to do
  • Eating out
  • Cafe bars
  • Shopping
  • Nightlife
• Planning
  • When to go
  • Where to stay
  • Find a hotel

Monaco Grand Prix

The Monaco Grand Prix is the most glamorous of the Formula One season and one of the world's greatest and most challenging motor-racing events.

At present, it is the last of the 'street courses' remaining in the Formula One calendar. The history, spectacle and sheer glamour mean the Monaco Grand Prix is considered the jewel of the Formula One crown.

The Monaco Grand Prix course is around the narrow, winding streets of Monte-Carlo and La Condamine, so the spectators are alarmingly near to the cars. This creates an amazing atmosphere, making it one of the most sought-after racing events of the year.

The 77-lap circuit offers the best opportunities for spectators to enjoy the thrill of screaming engines, smoking tyres and to see the drivers close-up over the 263-kilometre race on a course that allows no margin for error. It is notoriously difficult to overtake, so it's also a race where the practice sessions that determine the grid positions are even more important.

History of the Monaco Grand Prix

The first Monaco Grand Prix was held on the 14th April, 1929. Since then, the fastest average race speed has risen from 80km (50 miles) per hour to 142km (88 miles) per hour.

The Monaco Grand Prix has been run under the patronage of three generations of the principality's royal family: Louis II, Rainier III and Albert II, all of whom have taken a close interest in the race. Given the importance of tourism, it's a hugely profitable event for the local economy.

Monaco has produced only three native Formula One drivers - Louis Chiron, André Testut and Olivier Beretta, but its tax status means many Formula One drivers have lived in Monaco, including Gilles Villeneuve, Ayrton Senna, the 2009 winner Jenson Button and David Coulthard, the latter being part owner of a Monaco hotel. After the race each year, many drivers can get back to their apartments in minutes.

Monaco Grand Prix winners

Ayrton Senna holds the record for the most wins with six, followed by Graham Hill and Michael Schumacher with five each. British drivers have been the most successful over the years with Graham Hill, Stirling Moss, Jackie Stewart and David Coulthard all winning more than once. In the sixties, British drivers dominated with eight winners in the decade.

Monaco Grand Prix tickets

Tickets are both expensive and hard to come by. Many visit as part of a hospitality package, normally with fine views of the circuit and top-class accommodation. A seat at the famous Rascasse café on the circuit could cost €1,500 each for the weekend – but it’s hard to beat the view and the food is superb.

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