With glamour, character, history and tradition, the Monaco Grand Prix claims its place as not just one of the best races in Formula 1, but one of the most famous events in the entire world of sport.
In 2024, we will be in Monaco for the 81st instalment of this iconic race. Whether you’re joining us on our privately chartered superyacht or tuning in at home, read on for everything you need to know about race dates, times, weather and things to do in our comprehensive Monaco Grand Prix guide.
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When is the Monaco Grand Prix? 2024 dates, schedule & times
The F1 Monaco Grand Prix will take place on Sunday, 26 May 2024, with a whole weekend of racing action to enjoy. Here’s the full Monaco GP schedule:
Friday, 24 May: Practice 1 and Practice 2
Saturday, 25 May: Practice 3 and Qualifying
Sunday, 26 May: Race
The afternoon race will start at 3 pm local time (CET), which means F1 fans around the world can tune in at the following times:
United Kingdom (BST): Race starts at 2 pm on Sunday, 26 May
United States East Coast (EDT): Race starts at 9 am on Sunday, 26 May
United States West Coast (PDT): Race starts at 6 am on Sunday, 26 May
Australia (AEST): Race starts at 11 pm on Sunday, 26 May
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Monaco Grand Prix trivia and fun facts
The Monaco Grand Prix track is widely considered F1’s most famous. The characterful street circuit winds its way through 3.337 km of the prestigious principality, with a total of 19 bends.
Monaco’s street circuit is unique to say the least. No other F1 circuit has as many distinctive corners, from Monte Carlo Casino Square (Turn 4) and the Grand Hotel hairpin (Turn 6), to the unique sweeping tunnel (Turn 9).
Drivers take on 78 laps of the celebrated track for a total of 260.286 km. This is a challenging race, with impossibly narrow streets, an average of 3,666 gear changes per driver, and very few passing opportunities. Former F1 driver Nelson Piquet perhaps best summed it up when he quipped that the circuit was “like riding a bicycle around your living room”.
As a race with close to a century of stories to tell, Monaco has no shortage of Grand Prix trivia - here are our favourite facts:
Early History
Monaco’s first race took place in 1929 before being added to the Formula 1 World Championship calendar in 1950.
Fastest Lap
Lewis Hamilton currently holds the fastest lap record for Monaco, with a time of 1:12.909 set in 2021.
Most Wins
Ayrton Senna won at Monaco six times in his career, which included five consecutive seasons between 1989 and 1993. In a close second are Graham Hill and Michael Schumacher, who both won the race five times each.
Triple Crown
The Monaco Grand Prix forms one part of the coveted Triple Crown of motorsport, along with the Indianapolis 500 and 24 Hours of Le Mans. To date, Graham Hill is the only driver to have won the Triple Crown.
Native Drivers
The last true Monegasque driver to claim victory in the Monaco Grand Prix was Louis Chiron, all the way back in 1931. Currently, Charles Leclerc is the only Monaco-born F1 driver attempting to win at his home race. His best finish to date at Monaco was fourth place in 2022.
Bad Luck
British racing driver Jim Clark held pole position at Monaco four times in his career, but never managed to claim the top spot on the podium.
Most DNFs
To date, the Monaco Grand Prix holds the record for the least number of cars to finish an F1 race. In 1966, and again in 1996, only four cars saw the chequered flag at the finish line.
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Travel guide: things to do in Monaco when the F1 is on
Monaco is an incredible destination for any traveller. The Côte d’Azur is one of the most beautiful places in the world – from its architecture and its charming towns to the striking coastal vistas that appear around every corner.
This tiny principality offers so much more than the F1 race. So if you’re interested in exploring beyond the street circuit, fear not, because you are spoiled for choice with things to do.
Visit local beaches
Soak up some rays in the south of France by venturing to the picturesque local beaches to take a dip in the ocean. Try the gorgeous La Plage d’Eze, Baie de Garavan, or Larvotto. Note that beaches in the French Riviera are mostly pebbles rather than sand, so pack some stylish beach-ready footwear.
Soak up panoramic views from a hilltop palace
Take a stroll up the hill from Place d’Armes to the Prince’s Palace and Monaco-Ville. The exquisite panoramic views alone make the short walk worthwhile. You can choose to do a tour of the state rooms or wander the rustic cobblestone streets of the old town. If you time your visit for 11:55 am, you can witness the changing of the guard ceremony.
Explore Prince Rainier’s legendary car collection
Motorsport fans would be remiss to visit Monaco and not admire H.S.H Prince Rainier III of Monaco’s Car Collection. Located just a short walk from the circuit in the Terrases de Fontvieille, it’s a unique opportunity to view over 100 cars, including a selection of powerhouses that have tackled Monaco’s Grand Prix circuit.
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Guide supercars through the French countryside
Before settling down to watch F1’s finest take on the Monaco street circuit, you can enjoy two days of driving a fleet of supercars from Nice to Monaco on our Provence driving tour. Not only do you get to glide through the French countryside in a supercar fleet including Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren and more, but you also join us on our exclusive superyacht to watch the Monaco GP action unfold.
Try your luck at the Casino de Monte Carlo
You can hardly spend time in Monaco and fail to visit the iconic Casino de Monte Carlo. Founded in 1893, the casino has maintained its position in the historic belle époque building and features an array of table games, from blackjack and baccarat to roulette and poker.
Discover stunning towns and villages nearby
There’s no shortage of incredible places to visit on the French Riviera if you wish to venture further afield. For example, journey along the coast to the famous town of Saint Tropez to enjoy the scenery including colourful houses, tiny fishing boats and lovely harbour cafés. There’s also an array of alluring boutiques, exceptional restaurants and a buzzing nightlife in this popular celebrity escape.
Slightly closer to Monaco is the city of Nice – one of France’s largest cities. With lush vineyards and temperate climes, you can sip a crisp rosé or citrusy white while basking in the breathtaking coastal views. There’s also a plethora of heritage sites, awesome architecture, and a bustling art and culture scene.
Finally, the historic village of Eze is just 15 minutes from Monaco and is worth the trip for the views alone. However, it’s also home to charming cobblestone streets and boutique shopping. For the best views, we recommend making your way to Le Jardin Exotique (the exotic garden), found at the very top of the town on the ruins of an old fortress.
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Best places to eat and drink in Monaco
Given Monaco’s multicultural influence, it’s hardly surprising that its culinary scene is most certainly something to write home about. Our Monaco F1 guests are treated to a variety of expertly prepared culinary delights aboard our superyacht throughout the weekend. However, if you wish to explore the crème de la crème of dining during your time in Monaco, we recommend the following restaurants.
Le Louis XV – Alain Ducasse à l’Hôtel de Paris
Set inside the internationally acclaimed l’Hôtel de Paris, Le Louis XV is widely recognised as one of the best restaurants in the world. Enjoy three-Michelin-star cuisine from chefs Alain Ducasse and Emmanuel Pilon in a magnificently ornate setting.
Table d’Antonio Salvatore au Rampoldi
Rampoldi has been a Monegasque institution since 1946 and is now helmed by southern Italian chef Antonio Salvatore. With just five tables, this Michelin-starred fine-dining restaurant is the very essence of exclusive.
Maya Bay
In a contemporary Asian setting, Maya Bay is the perfect place for a light lunch or relaxed dinner. Expect local, seasonal ingredients to be masterfully transformed into exquisite dishes with a Thai and Japanese influence courtesy of chefs Christophe Dupuy and Ryuji Kakizaki.
Elsa
Venture to Monte Carlo beach for spectacular scenic views from the waterfront terrace accompanied by excellent Mediterranean cuisine. Using entirely organic ingredients, the restaurant is now a forerunner in ethical fine-dining on a local and international level.
Pavyllon Monte-Carlo
World-famous chef Yannick Alléno brings fine-dining into the 21st century with Pavyllon at the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo. This Michelin-starred establishment has an emphasis on fresh, seasonal and plant-based produce. With a terrace overlooking the old town and an open kitchen, this is “fine dining without the formality”, as Alléno himself describes.
Les Perles de Monte-Carlo
Les Perles de Monte-Carlo is something of a rare hidden gem in Monaco. Set in the sheltered Port de Fontvieille, this unpretentious oyster bar serves seafood and mezze feasts that satisfy the eyes and tastebuds alike.
The above list barely scrapes the surface of the gastronomic delights you will find in Monaco. There are even more options to tantalise your tastebuds including Yoshi – the only Japanese restaurant on the Côte d’Azur with a Michelin star – and Les Ambassadeurs by Christophe Cussac, with two Michelin stars.
For quick, modest and delicious bites – not to mention excellent people-watching opportunities – Monaco is home to a plethora of charming cafés, such as Café de Paris located next to the casino.
We recommend taking a stroll around restaurants and cafés to see what tickles your fancy, while review sites such as TripAdvisor will offer honest insight from diners.
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Monaco Grand Prix FAQ
From style tips to weather guidance, we have answers to many frequently asked questions about the Monaco Grand Prix, and here are some of the most popular:
Is there a dress code at the Monaco Grand Prix?
Considering the Monaco F1 race is one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events, there really is no better place to dress to impress. The expectation around dressing over race weekend varies depending on the day, time and event.
For example, if you plan to enjoy premium hospitality at the Champions Club or Paddock Club, you will need to dress smart-casual. This means trousers and an open-collared shirt with a blazer or jacket for men, while women typically wear a dress, skirt or pantsuit. You will find a more detailed guide in our article on Monaco Grand Prix fashion and style.
How many laps and miles is the Monaco Grand Prix?
The Monaco Grand Prix requires more laps of its street circuit than any other race on the F1 calendar. Drivers will lap the circuit 78 times, for a total of 161.734 miles (260.286 km). Compare this to Spa-Francorchamps (44 laps) or Las Vegas (50 laps) and fans certainly get value for money.
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What is so special about the Monaco Grand Prix?
Formula 1 has many famous races, yet it’s Monaco that always feels the most special – and there are many reasons for this. Firstly, Monaco is one of the oldest races on the calendar and its legend only grows bigger with the passing of eras, from Stirling Moss’s magic in 1961 to Ayrton Senna’s domination in the early 1990s.
Another part of Monaco’s appeal is that, while the unique street circuit may not be the fastest, it’s certainly one of the most technically demanding. Plus, it’s always a pleasure to watch action unfold along such a distinctive and interesting track.
Finally, the Monaco GP is undoubtedly the most glamorous Grand Prix on the calendar. Set in the swish city-state, every moment oozes flamboyance and a sense of exclusivity.
What is the weather like in Monaco in May?
May happens to be one of the finest months to visit Monaco. The sun is likely to be out yet the temperatures are not too stifling, with an average of 17°C and highs of 19°C. While the region has 300 days of sunshine a year, Monaco is not immune to rain or evening chill, so packing an umbrella and light jacket along with the sunscreen and hat is sensible.
Why do so many F1 drivers live in Monaco?
Monaco has become the go-to destination for F1 drivers to take up residence, largely due to its great weather, high standard of living, and of course, tax benefits. This is exciting for fans because you never really know who you might run into while out and about in Monaco. You’ll find more on this in our article on the reasons why Formula 1 drivers live in Monaco.
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Join us for the ultimate Monaco F1 hospitality weekend package
With such prestige and importance, the Monaco Grand Prix is unsurprisingly one of the races in the highest demand – yet with one of the lowest capacities. This means securing your tickets early on is essential.
Join us in 2025 and beyond for our Monaco Grand Prix VIP hospitality package, to enjoy the legendary race onboard a privately chartered superyacht in Port Hercule.
Sip champagne and enjoy gourmet canapés during the day while you take in the incredible excitement of the Grand Prix, then dine aboard the yacht at night. Opt for a scenic helicopter flight from Nice to Monaco to add to the thrill with stunning views of the city and harbour.
If you want to learn more about attending this event or any of our F1 experiences, speak with our friendly travel concierge team today.
Banner Image: Adobe Stock Images - SvetlanaSF
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