The Formula One Grand Prix of Monaco is the world's most intense car race. The annual event run at the end of May on the streets of Monte Carlo is a unique spectacle, and one of the most exciting shows in racing. This is true despite the fact that a Monaco race involves little passing for position, and lead changes on the track are rare.
F1 cars screaming through the tight confines of Monte Carlo at speeds up to 180 mph is as extreme as it gets. The concentration required to run 78 laps with near zero margin for error makes for fascinating racing. Yes, more passing and lead changes happen at Indianapolis, Charlotte, and every other racing venue, while it is not unusual for the pole sitter at Monaco to lead the entire race.
What makes Monaco unique and riveting are the narrow streets and tight turns that put a premium on driver skill paired with top equipment. I don't doubt the skill required to win at other circuits in other racing series, however, at this street course, the margin for error is a hair above absolute zero. At virtually every other racing venue on the planet in every racing series, a driver can make a few minor mistakes and still hope to win. Not so at Monaco. A nano-second's lapse in concentration results in a smashed race car.
The track in its current configuration is a bit over two miles long, winding through the city, up and down the mountainside (Mount Charles), and along the Mediterranean Harbor. The fastest racing lap in history happened in the 2018 event by Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen at 1:14.260. The pole sitter and eventual winner, Daniel Ricciardo (Verstappen's Red Bull teammate) broke the qualifying record with an astonishingly fast 1:10.810.
Watching the crowded starts as the field screams off the starting grid, the mad scramble to Sainte Devote, then the uphill Beau Rivage to Massenet is one of the most thrilling starts to any race anywhere.
At Monaco, the slightest mistake puts a car in the Armco barrier, and out of the race. Only the most skilled F1 drivers can get close enough to successfully pass. Only a few passing zones exist on these streets, and few drivers have what it takes to take advantage of a minuscule opportunity to overtake another driver. You might say that obviously, drivers who start at the front in Monte Carlo have the advantage. Drivers starting mid or rear pack have little to no chance at winning this race.
The late Ayrton Senna won this race six times from 1987 to 1993, followed by Graham Hill and Michael Schumacher with five, and Alain Prost (four.)
The race course has changed a little over the history of this famous event, and the cars are dramatically different. It was riveting viewing in 1966 as seen in the next video, and it remains so, as evidenced by the 2017 video.
The late Ayrton Senna won this race six times from 1987 to 1993, followed by Graham Hill and Michael Schumacher with five, and Alain Prost (four.)
The race course has changed a little over the history of this famous event, and the cars are dramatically different. It was riveting viewing in 1966 as seen in the next video, and it remains so, as evidenced by the 2017 video.
Formula One racing is a bit of an acquired taste, like learning to like Scotch or Bourbon. American race fans tend to prefer watching cars with fenders on oval tracks, but for most of the rest of the world, F1 is their favorite brand of car racing. The Grand Prix of Monaco is one of the most popular events on the F1 calendar, and for good reason.
Even if you aren't a fan of Formula One, give Monaco a chance next Memorial Day. You might enjoy the spectacle of the world's most advanced racing machines screaming through the narrow streets of one of the world's most interesting cities.
Larry Manchis an author, teacher, guitar player, freelance writer, and columnist. His books include: 'Twisted Logic: 50 Edgy Flash Fiction Stories', 'The Toughest Hundred Dollars & Other Rock & Roll Stories','A Sports Junkie', 'The Avery Appointment', 'Between the Fuzzy Parts'. His books are available in paperback and e-book.
He writes about sports for Season Tickets, food and travel on Miles & Meals, and music/guitars on The Backbeat.
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