Six races down, a quarter of the calendar complete, Formula 1 heads to the South of France to host the glamorous, Monaco Grand Prix. With a rich history, technical complexity, and sheer spectacle, the Monte Carlo Grand Prix is held in the streets of Monte Carlo every year, and it is unlike any other race in the world of motorsport.
Overview of the Monaco Grand Prix
The Monaco Grand Prix has been synonymous with the history and evolution of motor racing since its inception in 1929 when it was a part of the Formula 1 World Championship that was established in 1950. On the Circuit de Monaco, during the race, the cars travel through the city’s narrow, winding streets, which are home to Monte Carlo’s iconic locations, including the Monte Carlo Casino, the waterfront, and the luxurious yacht-lined harbour.
Track Layout
78 laps, clockwise circuit, the Monaco Grand Prix adds up to 260 kilometres of winding corners around the principality. Even though the Monaco circuit only measures 3.337 kilometres in length, it is one of the shortest in Formula 1. A circuit consisting of 19 turns contains a lot of tight turns which require precise and controlled driving on the part of the drivers, as all of them are challenging and demanding.
Iconic Features
There are several short hairpin turns on the Monaco Formula 1 circuit, but one of the most famous hairpin turns is located at the Fairmont Hotel, named the tightest turn in Formula 1. Overtaking is particularly challenging because of these features, and performance in qualifying is also highly affected by these features.
The race is characterized by the tunnel under the Fairmont Hotel, in which drivers are forced to race in semi-darkness at first and then emerge in daylight again, in a test of their ability to adapt and concentrate. Given the tight and constrained layout, the probability of a safety car appearance is high, often playing a significant role in the race strategy.
Memorable Races Around the Monaco Grand Prix
Throughout the history of Monaco, there have been countless memorable moments that have helped shape careers and seasons. The race has had some magnificent performances in the past, like those of Ayrton Senna a few decades back, who won it six times, and those of Daniel Ricciardo, who took the chequered flag in 2018 despite a power issue limped to take his first win around the streets of Monaco. Many champions have made history on this circuit because of the circuit’s demand for flawless driving. The drive on this circuit often leads to dramatic races. Dramatic races lead to safety cars.
Live Timings
Thursday (23rd May)
1:30 pm – Drivers’ Press Conference
Friday (24th May)
12:00 pm – The Monaco Grand Prix Practice One – (Session begins at 12:30 pm)
3:45 pm – The Monaco Grand Prix Practice Two – (Session begins at 4:00 pm)
Saturday (25th May)
11:15 am – The Monaco Grand Prix Practice Three – (Session begins at 11:30 am)
2:15 pm – The Monaco Grand Prix Qualifying – (Session begins at 3:00 pm)
Sunday (26th May)
12:30 pm – The Monaco Grand Prix– (Session begins at 2 pm)
If you would like to learn more news about the world of Formula 1? “Andrea Kimi Antonelli: Toto Wolff’s Mercedes Protégé” or “Emilia Romagna Grand Prix: A Rich Blend of Speed and Tradition”
Image Credit: Red Bull Content Pool
