MonacoGrand Prix

History. That’s one of the first things you think of when you think of Monaco. The first ‘Monaco Grand Prix’ took place in April 1929, but Formula 1 as we know it wasn’t founded at that point in time. Instead, we mark the 1950 Monaco Grand Prix as the first F1 race around the principality, and what an event that was. A rogue wave hit the track at Tabac corner on the opening lap, sending water everywhere and cars spinning which resulted in 10 retirements.

Fortunately, safety has rapidly improved since then and although its tight walls might seem intimidating, it’s known for being very safe and having an incredible crew of marshals ready to help.

The circuit itself is 3.3km long and the shortest on the calendar, with 19 recognisable corners. From starting at Sainte Devote, going up the hill into Casino Square, down to the Fairmont Lowes Hairpin, through the awesome tunnel, into Tabac, chucking it through the swimming pool chicane complex and round past Rascasse, this circuit is not short of amazing twists and turns.

There’s not much stress on the tyres as braking is quite low around here, and the abrasion levels are almost non-existent as the Automobile Club de Monaco regularly resurfaces the track before the event. There is however high traction and downforce levels, which is often represented by the huge rear wings teams will bring to his race to help with aerodynamics.

You should also always be aware of the weather, as it can have a mind of its own in Monaco. Being part of a microclimate means that rain clouds can swoop in with very little notice and have been known to cause huge downpours right before the race begins. Driving around Monaco is difficult at the best of times, but when it rains it becomes another level of challenging.

Fact File: Monaco Grand Prix

• Clocking in at just 3.337 km in length, the Circuit de Monaco is the shortest track on the current F1 calendar. The next shortest circuit we visit is Zandvoort, which is nearly a full kilometre longer at 4.259 km.

• The race sees the highest lap count of any event with 78 tours of the circuit forming the Monaco Grand Prix. It is the only race that does not adhere to the FIA's mandated 305 km minimum distance, measuring 260.286 km.

• It also has the shortest run from pole position to the braking zone for the first corner, measuring just 114 metres.

• Just 34% of the lap is spent at full throttle. That is significantly lower than the 43% of the lap at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico that is spent at full throttle, the next lowest total on the calendar.

• Taken at just 45 km/h, the hairpin at turn six is the slowest corner F1 cars negotiate across the season. Being the tightest 180° corner on the calendar, special steering racks are used that allow for more steering angle.

• With three victories around the streets of the principality, Lewis is the most successful driver on the current grid at the Monaco Grand Prix. Fernando Alonso and Max Verstappen have taken two wins, whilst Sergio Perez has claimed one apiece.

• From the seven races in F1's inaugural 1950 season, only four of them remain on the calendar in 2023: the British, Monaco, Belgian and Italian Grands Prix. All four races take place on the same circuits they did in 1950: Silverstone, Circuit de Monaco, Spa-Francorchamps, and Monza.

• The first-ever Monaco Grand Prix was organised in 1929 by Antony Noghès. The final corner of the circuit is named in his honour.