Monte Carlo Grand Prix: The Formula One season’s seventh round is set to dazzle in Monaco from May 26 to 28, 2023. In a notable update, Sebastian Vettel, Germany’s long-anticipated world champion, has opted out of the race this year. Vettel, the esteemed driver from Heppenheim, had previously declared in 2022 that he wouldn’t be competing in another Formula 1 season.
Monte Carlo Grand Prix: The Circuit Explored
The Monaco circuit, a temporary track, snakes through the scenic locales of Monte Carlo and La Condamine in Monaco. Famous for hosting the Monaco Grand Prix, this track sees various city streets transformed annually into a racing haven. This transformation is no small feat, involving the removal of traffic signs and flower pots. The track, spanning 3.337 kilometers, is equipped with pit lanes, guardrails, movable fences, and impressive grandstands. It features 19 challenging turns, adding to the race’s excitement. Racers will complete 78 laps during the event, covering a total distance of 260 kilometers.
This street circuit is known for its limited run-off areas, making it one of the most perilous in the Formula One roster, despite lower average speeds compared to other tracks. Former world champion Nelson Piquet likened racing here to “flying a helicopter in your living room,” while David Coulthard, a two-time winner at Monaco, called it “pure madness.” Winning in Monaco is a testament to a driver’s precision, bravery, and ability to push boundaries.
A unique aspect of the Monaco circuit is its pit lane. Due to Monaco’s specific constraints, the pit lane wasn’t initially planned and is quite narrow, challenging teams to manage their equipment effectively. The pit building is adjacent to the start-finish straight, and since 2004, the pit lane has run behind it. This layout demands exceptional adaptability and skill from teams and drivers during pit stops.
The Circuit de Monaco’s Storied Past
Debuting in 1929 for the Monaco Grand Prix, organized by the Automobile Club de Monaco, the Circuit de Monaco boasts a rich history. Formula One engines roared through Monaco’s streets for the first time in 1950, marking the principality’s inclusion in the Formula One calendar. Argentine driver Juan Manuel Fangio triumphed in the inaugural race. However, it wasn’t until 1955 that the second Formula One Monaco Grand Prix took place. Since then, this event has been a constant in the racing calendar.
What’s Next After Monte Carlo?
Following the thrill of the Monte Carlo Grand Prix, Formula One teams will have a week to gear up for the next Grand Prix at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. This follows their recent participation in the Grand Prix in Italy-Imola.
Formula 1 GP Monte Carlo – Winners
| Year | Racer | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull |
| 2022 | Sergio Perez | Red Bull |
| 2021 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull |
| 2020 | no race because of Covid-19 | |
| 2019 | Lewis Hamilton (GBR) | Mercedes |
| 2018 | Daniel Ricciardo (AUS) | Red Bull |
| 2017 | Sebastian Vettel (D) | Ferrari |
| 2016 | Lewis Hamilton (GBR) | Mercedes |
| 2015 | Nico Rosberg (GER) | Mercedes |
| 2014 | Nico Rosberg (GER) | Mercedes |
| 2013 | Nico Rosberg (GER) | Mercedes |
| 2012 | Mark Webber (AUS) | Red Bull Racing |
| 2011 | Sebastian Vettel (GER) | Red Bull Racing |
| 2010 | Mark Webber (AUS) | Red Bull Racing |
| 2009 | Jenson Button (GBR) | Brawn |
| 2008 | Lewis Hamilton (GBR) | McLaren |
| 2007 | Fernando Alonso (ESP) | McLaren |
| 2006 | Fernando Alonso (ESP) | Renault |
| 2005 | Kimi Räikkönen (FIN) | McLaren |
| 2004 | Jarno Trulli (ITA) | Renault |
| 2003 | Juan Pablo Montoya (COL) | Williams |
| 2002 | David Coulthard (GBR) | McLaren |
| 2001 | Michael Schumacher (GER) | Ferrari |
| 2000 | David Coulthard (GBR) | McLaren |
| 1999 | Michael Schumacher (GER) | Ferrari |
| 1998 | Mika Häkkinen (FIN) | McLaren |
| 1997 | Michael Schumacher (GER) | Ferrari |
| 1996 | Olivier Panis (FRA) | Ligier |
| 1995 | Michael Schumacher (GER) | Benetton |
| 1994 | Michael Schumacher (GER) | Benetton |
| 1993 | Ayrton Senna (BRA) | McLaren |
| 1992 | Ayrton Senna (BRA) | McLaren |
| 1991 | Ayrton Senna (BRA) | McLaren |
| 1990 | Ayrton Senna (BRA) | McLaren |
| 1989 | Ayrton Senna (BRA) | McLaren |
| 1988 | Alain Prost (FRA) | McLaren |
| 1987 | Ayrton Senna (BRA) | Lotus |
| 1986 | Alain Prost (FRA) | McLaren |
| 1985 | Alain Prost (FRA) | McLaren |
| 1984 | Alain Prost (FRA) | McLaren |
| 1983 | Keke Rosberg (FIN) | Williams |
| 1982 | Riccardo Patrese (ITA) | Brabham |
| 1981 | Gilles Villeneuve (CAN) | Ferrari |
| 1980 | Carlos Reutemann (ARG) | Williams |
| 1979 | Jody Scheckter (RSA) | Ferrari |
| 1978 | Patrick Depailler (FRA) | Tyrrell |
| 1977 | Jody Scheckter (RSA) | Wolf |
| 1976 | Niki Lauda (AUT) | Ferrari |
| 1975 | Niki Lauda (AUT) | Ferrari |
| 1974 | Ronnie Peterson (SWE) | Lotus |
| 1973 | Jackie Stewart (GBR) | Tyrrell |
| 1972 | Jean-Pierre Beltoise (FRA) | BRM |
| 1971 | Jackie Stewart (GBR) | Tyrrell |
| 1970 | Jochen Rindt (AUT) | Lotus |
| 1969 | Graham Hill (GBR) | Lotus |
| 1968 | Graham Hill (GBR) | Lotus |
| 1967 | Denny Hulme (NZL) | Brabham |
| 1966 | Jackie Stewart (GBR) | BRM |
| 1965 | Graham Hill (GBR) | BRM |
| 1964 | Graham Hill (GBR) | BRM |
| 1963 | Graham Hill (GBR) | BRM |
| 1962 | Bruce McLaren (AUS) | Cooper |
| 1961 | Stirling Moss (GBR) | Lotus |
| 1960 | Stirling Moss (GBR) | Lotus |
| 1959 | Jack Brabham (AUS) | Cooper |
| 1958 | Maurice Trintignant (FRA) | Cooper |
| 1957 | Juan Manuel Fangio (ARG) | Maserati |
| 1956 | Stirling Moss (GBR) | Maserati |
| 1955 | Maurice Trintignant (FRA) | Ferrari |
| 1950 | Juan Manuel Fangio (ARG) | Alfa Romeo |
Is Free Viewing of Formula One Races Possible?
GP Monte Carlo: Exciting news for Formula 1 enthusiasts! There’s a savvy way to watch all Formula 1 races without shelling out for a costly TV subscription. This involves leveraging the power of a VPN service, a method I’ve been personally using for years with great success. Not only is this approach cost-effective, but it also ensures top-notch broadcast quality. So, for those passionate about Formula 1 and eager to catch every race live, this VPN method is definitely worth exploring.