The jewel in the F1 crown – a high-speed chase through the narrow streets of Monte Carlo which has changed very little since it first held the race in 1950. It’s an event every F1 driver wants to win and a spectacle every F1 fan should see.

The sense of history is everywhere. To see F1 cars race around the same roads driven by legends of the sport like Fangio, Clark, Senna, is an unforgettable experience. Monaco is part of the very fabric of F1; the sports beating heart – the one constant in a fast-changing world.

The glitz and glamour associated with Monaco and the stunning French Riviera, lend it a reputation as a destination only for the rich and famous. Monaco does have one of the highest average ticket prices and the millionaire lifestyle beckons for those who seek it.

But it is possible to experience Monaco on the cheap. Monaco’s Sector Rocher is one of the cheapest general admission areas in the world with race day tickets selling for just over €100. By staying in nearby Nice and ditching the helicopter for a local train, even F1 fans on a shoestring can get by quite comfortably.

The Grand Prix has its critics. They argue that Monaco isn’t a pure racing track; that it’s an over-rated, overpriced showcase for the teams and their sponsors. Or that it’s a relic of Formula 1’s past, clinging on because of some unrelenting notions of tradition.

Some of these arguments hold true – Monaco is not the place for wheel-to-wheel racing and races can be processional. It does though offer F1 spectators an extraordinary show of driver skill as they fight the wheel, inches from the barriers.

I wouldn’t choose Monaco as a first Grand Prix – it’s not representative of what F1 is all about. But for anyone serious about F1 and in love with the history of the sport, Monaco is an absolute must.

Monaco Grand Prix F1 Spectator Tips

• Staying in Nice or elsewhere outside of Monaco can shave hundreds off of your accommodation bill leaving you with more to spend on the F1 tickets you really want.
• Make a holiday of going to the Grand Prix. Monaco’s high ticket prices seem a lot more value when you take advantage of all the other great activities you can cram in whilst in the region.
• There may be no F1 on Thursday anymore but don’t miss the Porche SuperCup and F2 action which is free to attend.
• Top toilet tip: make use of the facilities in Monte-Carlo train station as other temporary washrooms at the circuit are sparse.

Essentials

Language

French and Italian

Currency

Euro € (EUR)

Time Zone

UTC+1

Electicity

230V/50Hz (European plug)

Weather & Climate

Monaco Weather

Being Mediterranean the circuit is usually sunny and hot. Occasionally though the rain comes in from the sea and really livens things up. Plan for sun, hope for rain.

About Me

I’m Danny, an incurable Formula 1 fan for over 35 years and founder of The F1 Spectator. My aim is to inform and inspire, arming you with helpful tips and advice for your next F1 trip.