Monaco Grand Prix: Track and Statistics

There is no stranger and more controversial stage on the calendar, but every racer dreams of winning Monaco. The slightest mistake leads to failure, engine power and aerodynamic efficiency almost do not affect the result, there is nowhere to catch up – a complete set of characteristics contrary to the requirements of modern Formula 1.

The organizer of the stage is the Automobile Club of Monaco, previously it was the only stage on the calendar that did not pay for the race, but the contract signed by Bernie Ecclestone has expired and now the organizers pay for participation. The stage and exclusive rights to independent television broadcasts have been lost – now everything is according to the general rules.

Formula 1 came to the country of the principality in the year of its birth. The 1950 round ended with the victory of Juan Manuel Fangio, who covered the distance of the race in 3 hours and 13 minutes at an average speed of 98.7 km/h. Even then they said the track was too dangerous, in 1952 the Italian Luigi Fagioli died during training, and the city circuit left the calendar for several years, but Formula 1 needed its own pearl, in 1955 the track returned to Monaco – and forever.

Many accidents have happened here for six decades, but only one pilot, Italian Lorenzo Bandini, died during the races of the World Championship, and two others flew into the water. In fact, the Monaco Grand Prix is ​​one of the safest stages on the calendar.

This is the slowest circuit on the calendar, the difference between the best and the failed lap is very small – you have to take risks. In Monaco it is almost impossible to overtake, the outcome of the race largely depends on qualifying and the first corner.

A good starting position is very important on this circuit, it is often said that this race is won on Saturday.

Follow features

A unique track requires a unique approach as teams adjust suspension and aerodynamic settings to achieve maximum downforce and effective traction. Bumpy straights and tight corners require special chassis modifications, and tight switchbacks require more wheel turn.

The key role is confidence in the car and the optimal pace of the lap, the teams try to give the riders maximum time on the track during free practice, and an accident during practice can seriously affect the course of the entire weekend. Driving a good lap in Monaco is a real challenge, it’s hard to avoid mistakes by collecting the best three sectors in qualifying in one lap.

The condition of the asphalt at the beginning of the weekend leaves something to be desired, then the situation gradually improves, but in the evening and at night the track is available to fans, so that in the morning the asphalt does not look perfect every day after countless parties.

Sergio Perez: “I love everything about Monaco. This is my favorite track and one of the most important races of the season. I always try to enjoy the week before the Grand Prix, immerse myself in a special atmosphere and take the opportunity to drive on this great track.

Why I love Monaco so much? It’s not easy to race there, it’s a serious challenge. With every round you feel pressure and there is no way to relax. It is necessary to increase the speed gradually, but not to overdo it. When the car runs great and you feel confident, that’s the best you can experience.

Qualifying in Monaco is the most important session of the year. I usually say qualifying is 99% successful this weekend because it is very difficult to overtake in a race unless it rains. So there’s a lot of pressure on Saturday and it’s not easy to dodge traffic in the first part of qualifying when all the cars are on track at the same time. The session can turn into a lottery. In such cases, you completely rely on the team and hope that it will help you find free space.

Weekend schedule

You can follow the progress of all Formula 1 sessions on our live streaming page.

Tire sets given to teams for the weekend

For the first time in the season, Pirelli will bring the softest compounds on the podium: C3, C4 and C5 with the designations Hard, Medium and Soft.

One set of the softest tires must be kept for the qualifying final – then those who drove in the final must return this set to Pirelli.

One set of Medium and Hard tires must be retained for the race – unless declared wet, riders must use at least one of these sets.

Performance of active drivers in Monaco

Fernando Alonso: “I have always loved racing in Monaco – this is one of the most exciting races on the Formula 1 calendar. One small mistake on a city circuit is enough to cause a collision with a barrier. Due to the heavy traffic it will not be easy in qualifying.

I look back fondly on my victories in 2006 and 2007. In those years, the intense battle for the title continued until the end of the championship, and victories in Monaco gave added strength. I’ve enjoyed most of the races at this track and it’s great to live in Monaco now too.”