Circuit de Monaco

Monaco Grand Prix, Monte Carlo, Monaco

There’s nothing quite like the annual dash around the winding streets of Monte Carlo. Monaco Grand Prix tickets are probably the most sought-after in the racing calendar because of the glamour, but underneath all that is a classic test of driving skill.

The race takes place in a real city – although admittedly there is something very unreal about the wealthy principality’s glitz – and much of the appeal comes from drivers having to face the challenges of navigating real streets. As Nelson Piquet memorably put it, it’s like “flying a helicopter in your living room”.

Organisers begin transforming the streets six weeks beforehand, and the result is a demanding track that presents some of the biggest challenges – and dangers – an F1 driver will face. In fact, if Monaco were applying for a place on the circuit for the first time, it would almost certainly be rejected on safety grounds.

The basic two-mile circuit hasn’t changed much since 1929, when William Grover-Williams won the inaugural race in a Bugatti, and the race has been a fixture of the world championship since 1955. There has always been little margin for error and overtaking is notoriously difficult on the narrow track, so qualifying positions are vital.

The Portier corner is vital for good lap times, while the tight Loews hairpin, the slowest corner in F1, requires drivers to brake to a learner driver-friendly 31 mph and is a good spot for overtaking. One of the quickest corners in F1, at 162 mph, comes in the tunnel, along with some disorientating jumps from light to dark. La Rascasse is a 180-degree right-hand corner, where Michael Schumacher once appeared to deliberately impede Fernando Alonso and Mark Webber.

Only the bravest and best have won in Monte Carlo over the years: Graham Hill was nicknamed ‘Mr Monaco’ after five wins, a feat equalled by Schumacher, but Ayrton Senna topped them both with six.

And the famous circuit isn’t just an inspiration for racing fans, having appeared in the 1966 film Grand Prix. James Garner’s character crashes into the Monte Carlo harbour, just as Alberto Ascari did in 1955. The track also makes an appearance in the Disney film Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo.

A Page & Moy F1 tour is a great way to see the race and the region, whether you are based in Nice, Monaco or Beausoleil. James Bond films have made Monaco famous for its casinos, and you’ll find it hard to resist a few spins of the roulette wheel.

There are plenty of beaches and mountains close to Monaco, and walkers and cyclists will adore the scenery. Nearby French Riviera hotspots include Cannes and St Tropez, where you can enjoy the beautiful beaches and the even more beautiful people. Another option is to head into Italy to explore the pretty Cinque Terre villages east of Genoa.

How to book
View our complete list of F1 packages to the Monaco Grand Prix this year.