Monaco Grand Prix
The most prestigious and demanding street circuit in Formula One.
The Monaco Grand Prix is a Formula One motor racing event held annually on the Circuit de Monaco, in late May or early June. Run since 1929, it is widely considered to be one of the most important and prestigious automobile races in the world, and is one of the races—along with the Indianapolis 500 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans—that form the Triple Crown of Motorsport. It is the only Grand Prix that does not adhere to the FIA's mandated 305 km minimum race distance for Formula One races.
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.
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 driving a Bugatti Type 35B.
- The 1948 Monaco Grand Prix was run to the Grand Prix formula defined by the FIA in 1946, based on the pre-war voiturette class.
- Rudolf Caracciola was known as 'Regenmeister' (Rainmaster) after winning the 1936 race in stormy weather.
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