The Monaco Grand Prix

For most of the year, life in Monaco runs at a calm, easy pace. But when May rolls around, everything shifts into high gear. The reason? The Monaco Grand Prix roars into town. This legendary race is part of the famous “Triple Crown” of motorsport, alongside the Indianapolis 500 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans—three of the world’s most prestigious events. First held in 1929, the Formula One Grand Prix of Monaco follows a tight 3.34 km circuit that winds its way through the city, and it’s barely changed in nearly a century. Drivers complete 78 laps, racking up more than 260 kilometers. With average speeds around 150 km/h—and top speeds of “only” 290—it’s the slowest race in the F1 calendar. But don’t let that fool you. The track snakes through Monte Carlo and La Condamine, around Port Hercule, into a tunnel, and through hairpin turns lined with unforgiving metal barriers. It’s tight, it’s technical, and overtaking is almost impossible—which is exactly what makes it so thrilling. Even the tiniest mistake can end a race. Over the years, there have been crashes, pile-ups, and even tragedy. In 1967, Ferrari driver Lorenzo Bandini lost control coming out of a corner. His car burst into flames — tragically, he did not survive. But the Grand Prix is also a story of triumph. More than 70 drivers have taken the top spot here—some of them more than once. One of the greatest was Brazilian legend Ayrton Senna, who won six times out of just ten appearances on this track. His exceptional talent and fearless driving made him a Monaco icon. Tragically, just a few years later, he lost his life during a race in Imola in 1994. His legacy, though, lives on—especially here, where his name still echoes through the streets each May. With its mix of raw power and pure glamour, the Monaco Grand Prix remains the ultimate test of skill—and the circuit that, as they say, still separates the men from the boys.