Monaco Grand Prix: F1 Motor Racing’s Crème De La Crème

Why? Because it’s uniquely challenging, and it’s a challenge that’s been around for a very long time. Back in 1929, the first Monaco Grand Prix was held as a way to bring motorsports to this tiny, idyllic principality – while still trying to adhere to the rule that a national Grand Prix must remain within a country’s borders. The result was a track that became world-famous for its difficulty, since it’s so tightly confined to the streets of coastal Monte Carlo. Not only does this race test the skill of even the most seasoned F1 drivers, but Monaco’s reputation as a tax-free playground for the rich has ensured that the event will always be star-studded and glamorous. 

For the last 90 years, the sharp corners of this narrow track have bested everyone from Michael Schumacher to Ayrton Senna, even sending drivers off the road and into the harbor on occasion. But despite all the intrigue around Monaco, many F1 fans actually see it as spectacle over substance. The claustrophobic layout of the track makes it incredibly difficult to overtake, which can lead to a relatively predictable race, with the car on pole position usually winning. But will that be the case this year? 

If the season so far is any indication, this installment of the Monaco Grand Prix will be anything but boring. Once again, we’ll get to see native Monegasque Charles Leclerc face off against reigning champion Max Verstappen, who wrested the championship lead from Leclerc this past weekend in Barcelona. But although much has been made of Verstappen’s excellent record this year – he’s won every race he’s finished – it doesn’t mean that all hope is lost for Leclerc and Ferrari. Leclerc was on track to win the Spanish Grand Prix before he lost power, and he has also snagged four of the year’s six pole positions so far. If he can do it again in the qualifying session this Saturday, the most prestigious race of the season could be as good as his.  

But is Leclerc cursed on his home track? A lot of fans seem to think so. Since his F1 debut in 2018, he has never finished the race, even crashing an iconic 1974 Ferrari 312 B3 in this year’s Monaco Historic. Is it nerves? Pressure? Witchcraft? Or maybe Leclerc is just overwhelmed by the glitz and grandeur of it all. We are too, and we’ll be eagerly awaiting lights out come Sunday. 

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