Monaco Grand Prix : legendary automobile races
As ever, the Monaco Grand Prix will be organized by the Automobile Club de Monaco. The race is one of the oldest in the world, having been founded in 1929. In fact, it was that very year that the Club’s general commissioner, Antony Noghès, made a wild bet to organize a motor race in the heart of Monaco’s tiny territory. With the help of driver Louis Chiron, he designed an urban circuit through the streets of the Principality. The first Formula 1 Grand Prix de Monaco, on April 14, 1929, was won by Briton William Gover-Williams. The Monaco Grand Prix has been an official F1 World Championship event since it first started in 1950. Motorsport’s biggest names have left their mark on this demanding competition ever since.
The Monaco circuit’s legendary turns and chicanes
An impressive logistical undertaking gets underway weeks before the event to set up the Monaco Grand Prix track in the heart of the city. It winds through the streets of Port Hercule, Monte-Carlo and La Condamine, looked over by the Rock and the Prince’s Palace. At 3.34 km (just over 2 miles), it is the shortest Formula 1 World Championship route, but also the most difficult. A narrow track, tight turns, chicanes and short straights present real challenges for the drivers. And that is before we even mention the tunnel, which is the fastest part of the circuit. Overtaking is rare and dangerous in these conditions. The Sainte-Dévote and Fairmont turns (the latter of which is the slowest in F1) and the tunnel exit are among the track’s most strategic points. Around the port, bends in the Bureau de Tabac, Piscine and Rascasse areas put on quite a show, with cars frequently coming close to the safety rails. In Monaco more than anywhere else, competitors must rely on their agility and focus to get ahead. This same circuit is also used for two other major motorsports events, the Monaco Historic Grand Prix and the Monaco E-Prix. Monaco’s event is often hailed as the crown jewel of the motorsport calendar.
The best places to attend the Monaco Grand Prix 2025
Where are the best places to watch the Monaco Grand Prix ? A seat in the grandstands guarantees visitors a unique ambiance. The JF Kennedy stand is a prime location for aficionados between the starting line and Sainte-Dévote turn. Sitting in a grandstand at Sainte Devote turn offers thrilling close-up view on the race. The grandstand opposite the Casino de Monte-Carlo has a view of one of the circuit’s most beautiful corners. The most important stands are between the Bureau de Tabac and La Piscine’s chicane. Some enjoy a view of the paddocks. The VIP boxes are just before the turn at La Rascasse. You are guaranteed to feel the thrill of the chase from these strategic locations!
The yachts moored at Port Hercule also offer a unique view of the race and a chic, exclusive atmosphere. The Société des Bains de Mer Monte-Carlo’s establishments in the heart of the route also benefit from stunning views. If you would like to combine a Michelin-starred tasting experience with a view of the cars, visit the terraces of Louis XV-Alain Ducasse*** and Le Grill* at the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, or Yannick Alléno* at the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo. The Hirondelle’s terrace at the Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo looks out over the circuit, while the terrace at the Café de Paris Monte-Carlo and La Rascasse bar are at track level. Terraces and VIP areas provide some of the most exceptional viewing points over the narrow and legendary track. All our Resort’s restaurants are ready to welcome visitors during four days of Monaco Grand Prix action!
Explore all our establishments
The benefits in the Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer’s special race accommodation deals include the chance to watch the Monaco Grand Prix from a VIP terrace and get access to exclusive venues. A package is available, combining a 4 day luxury stay with a refined breakfast.
Monaco Grand Prix 2025 schedule
For a long time, the Monaco Grand Prix took place over 4 days during the Ascension bank holiday weekend. Training laps were scheduled for Thursday. Now scheduled for a weekend in May, the Monaco Grand Prix takes place over three days (Thursday being reserved for Formula 2 runs). Uniquely, this downtown route is closed to traffic in the early morning, then reopens in the evening after the races. As a result, it is perfectly possible to walk or drive around on an evening to take in the event’s atmosphere. Practice sessions where drivers test their skills on the demanding street circuit mark the beginning of the excitement. The drivers start their qualifying rounds from midday on Friday. On Saturday afternoon, the qualifiers take their positions to secure the best time. On a track that offers few opportunities for overtaking, these sessions are widely thought to be crucial, as the driver who gets pole position has a great chance of climbing to the top step of the podium. That said, we can’t rule out motorsports’ other dramas, twists and turns. You will find out if any of these come to pass on Sunday, race day. After the drivers are presented in the early afternoon, the racing cars take their position on the starting grid. After the national anthem, it is time for 78 laps of pure adrenaline. Race day is a true celebration of speed, glamour and fierce competition. Once the race is over, visitors are free to explore Monaco’s lively streets and glamorous nightlife. Every evening, Monaco transforms into a vibrant scene with parties and celebrations lasting well into the night.
Legendary duels at the Monaco Grand Prix
An unmissable event in the F1 World Championship calendar, the Monaco Grand Prix is where the sport’s champions to go head to head. It is known for its fiercely competitive battles between legendary drivers. In the 1960s, Britons Graham Hill (from the BRM team) and Jim Clark (Lotus) were the championship’s major rivals. Hill took the 1963 title when the car driven by Clark (who had started in pole position) broke down. With his first of a total of five victories at the Monaco GP, Hill earned his place in the event’s annals. Brazilian Ayrton Senna won the Monaco race six times between 1987 and 1993, securing a still-unbeaten record. Another major champion, German Michael Schumacher, won five trophies in Monaco between 1994 and 2001. However, his demotion to last position on the starting line-up in 2006 is one of the event’s most memorable moments, as he was penalized for preventing Fernando Alonso from improving his time during the qualifying rounds. More recently, Monaco’s circuit has been set alight by everyone from Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes to Nico Rosberg (Mercedes) and Max Verstappen (Red Bull). There is no doubt that the Monaco Grand Prix 2025 will be every bit as exciting.
How to Get to Monaco for the Grand Prix
Getting to Monaco during the Grand Prix weekend is effortless thanks to a range of convenient options. Private transfers between Monaco and nearby cities like Nice ensure seamless and comfortable travel during race week, offering easy access to the Principality for both Friday practice sessions and Saturday's crucial qualifying rounds. For an even more exclusive experience, the helicopter transfer option is available, delivering breathtaking views of the French Riviera in just minutes. Many visitors also take the opportunity to extend their stay and discover other nearby and equally nice destinations along the coast after the excitement of race day.
Find out more:
- Dream stays in our hotels on the occasion of the Monaco Grand Prix
- Legendary parties at the Monaco Grand Prix
- Monaco E-prix 2024
- Monaco E-prix: A race for electric cars
- Monaco Historic Grand Prix 2024
- Experience the Historic Grand Prix from the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo restaurants
- Monaco Grand Prix : where to enjoy the best views
- Charles Leclerc: Monaco Youngster Driving for Ferrari
