Mirabeau, Sainte Devote, Tabaccaio, Rascasse… Any Formula 1 enthusiast will immediately realise that we’re talking about the Monaco Grand Prix, one of the races most loved and eagerly-awaited not only by spectators, but also by the drivers themselves, who are impatient to test their mettle on one of the most challenging circuits of the competition. The race consists of 78 laps of a 3.337 km route that takes in historic landmarks including Hôtel de Paris, the Casino, the famous tunnel and the seafront, a total of 260.286 km, with very few opportunities to overtake and an extremely low margin of error.
Whether it’s because the prizes are always awarded by a real-life prince (these days, Albert II of Monaco), or because of the celebrities attending, the exclusive parties and the chance to watch the action from a luxury yacht, the Monaco Grand Prix is a legendary event that has always combined sport and glamour. This year it takes place from 23 to 26 May, turning the city of Monte Carlo into the spectacular race track it has been since the very first edition in 1929.
The record for wins (six) belongs to Ayrton Senna, while the most successful car manufacturer is McLaren, with 15 wins to its name.
This year’s classification promises an exciting race, with the top places occupied by Belgian driver Max Verstappen and the Mexican Sergio Pérez, both of team Red Bull, followed by Monaco-born Charles Leclerc in his Ferrari, attempting to break his “Monaco F1 curse” and take his first home victory; the Belgian Lando Norris for McLaren and Spaniard Carlos Sainz of team Ferrari.
SCHEDULE AND LIVE COVERAGE
Thursday 23 May is reserved for Formula 2 and Formula 3 practise sessions.
Friday 24 May: Formula 1 practise sessions at 13:30 and 17:00
Saturday 25 May: practise session at 12:30 and qualifying session at 16:00
Sunday 26 May: the race begins at 15:00
Direct TV coverage is on Sky Sport F1, Sky Sport Uno, Sky Sport 4K and streaming on NOW. On TV8 you can watch the qualifiers live and the race deferred.
(photos Olivier Caenen, Julien Prez Alonso)
