Monaco Grand Prix

Lore & Background

The first Monaco Grand Prix took place on 14 April 1929, and the race eventually became part of the pre-Second World War European Championship and was included in the first World Championship of Drivers in 1950. It was twice designated the European Grand Prix, in 1955 and 1963. Graham Hill was known as 'Mr. Monaco' due to his five Monaco wins in the 1960s. Ayrton Senna won the race more times than any other driver, with six victories, winning five races consecutively between 1989 and 1993. In the 83 editions of the Monaco Grand Prix, only two Monégasque drivers have won the race, Louis Chiron in 1931 and Charles Leclerc in 2024.

In Their Own Story

The race on 25 May 2025 started with Lando Norris holding off Charles Leclerc into Sainte Devote despite a slightly poorer launch. Early chaos ensued when Gabriel Bortoleto hit the barrier at Portier after an overtaking attempt, deploying a virtual safety car that allowed backmarkers like Yuki Tsunoda and Pierre Gasly to pit early. The race strategy became a complex chess match of inter-team blocking; Liam Lawson deliberately slowed cars behind his teammate Isack Hadjar to facilitate a two-stop strategy for the Racing Bulls driver. On lap 37, Fernando Alonso retired with an engine failure, while George Russell incurred a drive-through penalty for cutting the chicane to pass Alexander Albon. The climax arrived on lap 77 when Max Verstappen finally pitted, allowing Norris, now on fresh tyres, to retake the lead. Norris sealed his first Monaco victory by setting the fastest lap on the final tour.

Reader's Guide

The race is held on a narrow course laid out in the streets of Monaco, with many elevation changes and tight corners as well as the tunnel, making it one of the most demanding circuits in Formula One. In spite of the relatively low average speeds, the Monaco circuit is a dangerous place to race due to how narrow the track is, and the race often involves the intervention of the safety car.

Did You Know?

• The first Monaco Grand Prix was won by William Grover-Williams (using the pseudonym 'Williams') driving a works Bugatti Type 35B.
• Rudolf Caracciola, known as 'Regenmeister' (Rainmaster), won the 1936 race in stormy weather.
• The 1948 Monaco Grand Prix was a Formula One-style race; motorcycle races at Monaco were held separately on different dates.
• Louis Chiron, at age 55, became the oldest driver to compete in a Formula One Grand Prix at the 1955 Monaco Grand Prix.