Monaco Grand Prix: What makes it so special?

The Monaco Grand Prix is a staple of the Formula One calendar. It’s arguably the most famous motor race in the world and the most glamourous of F1 races. Its rich history and iconic street circuit makes for a race of champions, the one they all want to win.

Why is the Monaco Grand Prix so important? Read on below as we run you through the Monaco Grand Prix history and what makes it so iconic.

Check out all the latest Formula 1 betting odds at William Hill

What makes it so special?

The Monaco Grand Prix is the most iconic race on the Formula One calendar and forms one part of the ‘Triple Crown’ in wider racing (the Monaco Grand Prix, Indy 500 and Le Mans 24 Hours). The track is just over 3.3km and with 78 laps it clocks just over 260km worth of race distance.

It’s one of the most technically challenging circuits and trying to overtake on the narrow streets is almost impossible. In fact, in 2003 there were no overtakes in the entirety of the race. Former F1 driver Nelson Piquet famously likened driving around Monaco to “riding a bike around your living room.”

The history of the Monaco Grand Prix

The Monaco Grand Prix predates the current World Championship and was first run in 1929, being won by William Grover-Williams for Bugatti. The first official Formula One Monaco Grand Prix was staged in 1950 and was won by legendary driver Juan Manuel Fangio.

Since its inception, the Monaco Grand Prix circuit has changed dramatically, but the love and popularity of the occasion have grown in parallel. The changes predominantly came in the 70s thanks to efforts from Jackie Stewart. The track is now almost completely lined with safety barriers but before these were installed, the circuit was the same as an everyday street.

Why is it the greatest race in the world?

Monaco is the second smallest and most densely populated independent state in the world. It is synonymous with the wealthy and the Monaco Grand Prix is just as flash.

The famous street circuit has many elevation changes as well as tight corners and even a tunnel, which is unique to this one race on the calendar. The circuit also takes drivers through the famous harbour which is full of spectators watching on from their boats.

The difficulty is it takes to drive around the circuit in cars this quick is astonishing and tests the drivers to the limit. It’s a challenge that the grid loves and due to the unforgiving nature of the track, it can throw up some incredible results.

The ultimate winners of the Monaco Grand Prix

Formula One legend Ayrton Senna is the driver who has won the most Grands Prix at Monaco with six, closely followed by Graham Hill and Michael Schumacher with five.

Out of the current drivers currently competing in the championship, it comes as no surprise that Lewis Hamilton has got his hands on the Monaco Grand Prix trophy three times, with both Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel climbing on the top step twice.

British constructor McLaren is the most successful team to race in the Monaco Grand Prix, having first won the contest in 1984 and since winning it a further 14 times. However, they last won the race in 2008, while Mercedes won the most recent running in 2019.