- The Monaco Grand Prix has been one of my favorite events since I attended for the first time when I was 17 years old. That experience inspired me to live in Monaco for the summer between my first and second year of medical school, and I studied for my exams on an unofficial study-abroad program along the Principality’s golden Mediterranean shores.
The Monaco Grand Prix is a Formula 1 motor race that has taken place every year on the Circuit de Monaco since 1929. As part of the Triple Crown of Motorsport, it’s one of the most iconic races in the world, with a circuit characterized by narrow streets and challenging corners. The entire event exudes glamour and prestige, where many legendary drivers—like Graham Hill, Juan Manuel Fangio, and Stirling Moss—have driven to victory.
A few notable changes in Formula 1 car design made the 2017 event an exciting race. An increase in aero and mechanical grip, combined with revised Pirelli tires to suit slightly heavier vehicles, was used to cut lap times. Wider tires and wings and a larger diffuser were the headline points in this year’s modifications. A few smaller allowances for curvature and angles around the floor suspension were also added.
Like all spectator sports, the Monaco Grand Prix has its share of rivalries that keep the competition interesting. Scuderia Ferrari and the Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team have alternated victories for years, as two of the sport’s oldest and most successful teams with top of the line technology. And this year, they were back with a vengeance.
The Monaco Grand Prix has traditionally opened with HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, pictured above, driving the first lap of the circuit. In a break from tradition, this year Princess Charlene took the driver’s seat and completed the ceremonial lap.
The race is much-publicized for having an audience packed with royalty and celebrity, not to mention over-the-top parties, nightlife, and yacht-hopping among the myriad luxury superyachts that line the Circuit. This year, my favorite venue was the Amber Lounge with a performance by Bruno Mars and Raspoutine with a live DJ set by Marco Carola.
At the end of this year’s race, Team Ferrari once again came out on top, with Sebastian Vettel finishing in just under one hour and forty-five minutes. I’ve been an avid Ferrari collector for years, so I was thrilled to watch Vettel cross the finish line from a beautiful terrace in the Beau Rivage.
may 31 2018 +