Monaco Grand Prix: The Crown Jewel

Monaco. The Crown Jewel of Formula 1. It is one of the oldest and most recurring Formula 1 tracks on the calendar. Here’s what to look forward to, what to know, and everything about the Formula 1 Grand Prix de Monaco 2024.

The History

The Monaco Grand Prix has been a staple of the Formula 1 calendar since 1929. The race was conceived by Anthony Noghès, a wealthy Monaco resident, who aimed to attract more attention from the motorsport world to the region. The inaugural race was held in 1929 and was won by William Grover-Williams, driving for Team Bugatti. The spectacle of the event attracted over 10,000 spectators, cementing its place in the motorsport calendar.

Over the years, the Monaco Grand Prix has become an iconic event that every F1 fan eagerly anticipates, known for its challenging track, glamorous setting, and star-studded atmosphere.

Monaco hosted its first Formula 1 FIA World Championship round in 1950, with the legendary Juan Manuel Fangio taking the victory. Since then, the race has been a permanent fixture in the F1 calendar, renowned for its unique characteristics and historical significance. 

The Monaco circuit is a street track located in the heart of Monte Carlo. It spans 3.337 kilometers, or just over 2 miles, winding through the city streets. The race is one of the longest on the calendar in terms of laps, with drivers completing 78 laps, totaling approximately 260 kilometers. The fastest lap record for the circuit is held by seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who set the time in 2021.

The circuit layout features three sectors and includes one DRS zone, which is situated between turns 19 and 1. Additionally, there is a speed trap located off turn 10 in Sector 2, providing a critical point for monitoring the top speeds achieved during the race. The combination of tight corners, elevation changes, and narrow streets makes Monaco one of the most challenging and thrilling races in the Formula 1 season.

Previous Years

Last year, Monaco celebrated the 69th Grand Prix held at the iconic circuit. The 2023 race saw a thrilling competition and was ultimately won by the reigning world champion, Max Verstappen. Following him to complete the podium were Fernando Alonso in second place and Esteban Ocon in third.

Verstappen's victory reinforced the dominance of both Red Bull Racing and himself, demonstrating his skill and the team's strategic prowess even in challenging conditions. The race began under dry conditions but took a dramatic turn due to rain, adding an extra layer of complexity to the event.

The rain started on Lap 51, around turns 6 and 8, first reported to Verstappen by his engineer, GP, and later confirmed to Lando Norris by the McLaren pit wall. As the rain intensified, Valtteri Bottas was the first driver called into the pits, switching to intermediate tires. Kevin Magnussen was the last to pit, opting for full wet tires after initially running on hard compounds. The changing weather conditions led to numerous pit stops and strategic adjustments, significantly influencing the race dynamics.

The 2023 Monaco Grand Prix marked the first double points finish for McLaren that season, signaling that their recent package upgrades were yielding positive results. This performance boost was a hopeful sign for the team and its fans.

The race weekend also featured drama during the qualifying session for round 7 of the 2023 F1 season. Charles Leclerc, the hometown hero, originally qualified third. However, he received a three-place grid penalty for impeding Lando Norris, dropping him to sixth on the starting grid. This penalty was a significant disappointment for Leclerc and his supporters.

The adverse weather conditions further complicated the race, leading to early retirements for several drivers, including Kevin Magnussen and Lance Stroll. The rain created a slippery and challenging track, causing difficulties for even the most skilled drivers.

Despite the rain and the upset caused by Leclerc's penalty, the 2023 Grand Prix de Monaco was as successful and exciting as ever. The combination of skillful driving, strategic pit stops, and the unpredictable nature of the weather ensured that the race remained a highlight of the Formula 1 season.

Hometown Hero

Charles Marc Hervé Perceval Leclerc, born in Monte Carlo, Monaco, has a special connection to his home race. Driving for the sixth time around the iconic circuit in 2023, Leclerc's relationship with the Monaco Grand Prix has been a mix of highs and lows.

Leclerc’s journey in Formula 1 has been deeply influenced by his godfather, Jules Bianchi, a promising F1 driver who tragically passed away in 2015. Bianchi's dream was to see Leclerc drive for Ferrari, an aspiration that Leclerc himself shared.

Leclerc's performances in Monaco have been marked by both promise and frustration. Out of the six times he has competed in his home Grand Prix, he failed to finish in three instances due to various issues ranging from mechanical failures to accidents. Leclerc qualified third for the 2023 race, showcasing his skill and determination. However, he received a three-place grid penalty for impeding Lando Norris during the qualifying session, which demoted him to sixth on the starting grid.

Despite the penalty, Leclerc had a promising start and managed to hold his position through the tight and narrow streets of Monaco. The race began under dry conditions, allowing him to demonstrate his driving prowess. The race took a dramatic turn when rain started to fall on Lap 51. This not only affected Leclerc's strategy but also the strategies of all the drivers beside him. As the rain intensified, the race continued, complicating it for everyone on the grid.  Like his competitors, Leclerc was forced to pit and switch to intermediate tires as the track conditions worsened. The switch was critical but also challenging, as timing and tire choice became crucial in the slippery conditions.

Leclerc’s home race has often been plagued by what many refer to as the "Monaco Curse." From grid penalties to unfortunate race incidents and strategic missteps, Leclerc has faced numerous obstacles in securing a top finish in Monaco. Despite the promising start and his ability to navigate the initial stages of the race, the combination of the penalty and the adverse weather conditions limited his ability to score higher points. Leclerc finished the race in sixth place, a respectable position but short of the podium finish he and his fans had hoped for.

This Year’s Expectation

As the Monaco race quickly approaches, there is much anticipation in the air, from intense rivalries to potential record-breaking feats.

One of the most exciting storylines is the growing rivalry between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, which has significantly heated up over the past two races. Lando's maiden win in Miami was a pivotal moment, and he came incredibly close to securing another victory in the final lap of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. This performance has spurred him to challenge the dominance of the Red Bull driver, creating a thrilling dynamic for fans to follow.

McLaren’s recent upgrades, which were first showcased in Miami, have been a game-changer for Lando. These enhancements not only encouraged and secured his first victory but also allowed him to nearly clinch another win in Imola, missing out by less than one second. Lando’s consistent display of skill and determination raises the question: can he replicate these impressive results on the narrow streets of Monaco?

Another intriguing evolving story involves the growing tension between McLaren racer Oscar Piastri and Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz. The friction began at the Miami GP, where a contentious overtaking attempt by Sainz led to contact with Piastri’s car, dropping him down the ranks. Since that incident, the duo has been closely matched in qualifying sessions and has engaged in several on-track battles, much to the delight of fans. Their rivalry adds an extra layer of excitement as they compete in Monaco.

Lastly, all eyes will be on Max Verstappen as he chases a historic milestone. He is on the cusp of breaking the legendary Ayrton Senna’s record of eight consecutive pole positions. Having equaled this record in Imola, a pole position in Monaco would see Verstappen surpass one of the sport’s most iconic achievements. This potential record-breaking feat adds another level of excitement to an already highly anticipated race weekend.

With these captivating storylines unfolding, the Monaco Grand Prix promises to be an unforgettable event filled with drama, competition, and history in the making…