intricate THE 80TH MONACO GRAND PRIX: An intricate history of the legendary race

By Julia Belyakova

Today the Monaco Grand Prix is one of the most eagerly awaited races in the Formula-1 calendar. Its challenging circuit winds through the Monte-Carlo streets. Monaco residents are booking their seats in advance to get the best views and, of course, to cheer for the Monegasque Charles Leclerc, the Formula-1 vice-champion last season. The start of the legendary Monaco Grand Prix, however, is associated with many challenges and obstacles that may have compromised the very addition of this unique circuit to the Formula-1 calendar.

How It All Started

The Monaco Grand Prix was founded by the predecessor of the modern day FIA, the French Association of Recognised Automobile Clubs, that opened its headquarters in 1904 in Paris. In 1925, it was approached by the Monegasques with the purpose of registering the Automobile Club of Monaco. The request was, however, rejected. According to the French Association, it was thought inappropriate to register an entire club in a tiny state that does not even hold a race of its own.

But the avid car enthusiasts, Antony Noghès and his son Alexandre, just wouldn't take "no" for an answer. They came up with a project of running a race directly through the Principality streets, with no need to build any extra tracks. Having pondered on the pros and cons of making a racetrack in the Principality for two years, Antony Noghès eventually entrusted his project to the only professionals he knew would give him relevant and objective advice. They were the racer Louis Chiron and the technician Jacques Taffet. Very importantly, he also got the support of Prince of Monaco, Louis II. On top of that, Antony had to persuade the Société des Bains de Mer to back him with their investments. Realizing its potential, SBM manager, René Leon, unwaveringly allocated the funds in question.

The Very First Grand Prix Race

The first race in the Principality took place on 14th April, 1929. 15 cars were competing: 8 Bugatti, 3 Alfa Romeo, 2 Maserati, 1 Licorne and 1 Mercedes SSK.

It was famously won by William Grover-Williams at the wheel of his Bugatti

Type 35B. The champion was awarded a prize of 100,000 French francs by Prince Louis II of Monaco in person. William Grover covered the entire distance in 3 hours 56 minutes 11 seconds at an average speed of 80 km/h. And the beautiful tradition of receiving your reward personally from the sovereign has been preserved to this day.

The race was originally part of the European Championship held before the Second World War. The Monaco Grand Prix gradually became as popular as other races across Europe. In 1933, its scale and audience were equivalent to those of France, Belgium and Spain. What's more, that year for the first time the starting position was determined by the practice sessions results. This selection still works to this day.

Over the next few years the Grand Prix races were an absolute must-see. Sadly, this short-lived success was overtaken by the war, with the races suspended from 1939. After the end of World War II, the Grand Prix was re-launched on September 9, 1945 in Paris. However, due to its dire financial situation, Monaco was not among the participants until 1947. In 1949 the Monaco Grand Prix was cancelled again due to the passing away of Prince Louis II.

The first Formula-1 Monaco Grand Prix was held in May 1950. Unfortunately, fur- ther delays and cancellations followed due to various technical problems, and it was not until 1955 that Monaco rejoined the F1 World Championship. In 1956, shortly after her marriage to Prince Rainier, the Grand Prix race was opened by Princess Grace herself.

More Attention To Safety

The Grand Prix kept expanding with more countries increasingly joining the world championship.

In 1960 barriers were introduced at various points of the track. Prior to the introduction of these safety measures, racers were running the danger of steering off the track and hitting a wall, a pole, or even falling into the water. This may sound incredulous by today's standards, but safety protocols had yet to be perfected. The cars of the time were not as fast as today, but much less safe.

The innovations above significantly altered the race track appearance. As safety conditions improved, the organisers were willing to increase the number of cars allowed. So, in 1972 it went from 18 to 26. Just two years later, however, this number was brought back to 18.

The Monaco circuit is renowned for its compact size, and consequently, the average speed for the racers has always been slower. The shortest, narrowest and slowest, it is also the most dangerous race in the championship. The MonteCarlo challenging hairpins, where overtaking is impossible, require maximum concentration.

Grand Prix 2023

This year we will be celebrating the 80th Monaco Grand Prix. The race has remained part of the Formula-1 calendar despite some fears and talks that it may be removed. In 2023 the racing championship will count a record 24 races.

The race will thus be held in China for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic. It will then travel to Qatar, Monaco and Las Vegas, followed by Austin and Miami. Thus this season will see the introduction of new circuits, honouring at the same time the historic ones.

The Monaco Grand Prix will be held from May 25 to 28. By now, it has maintained its city racetrack tradition since 1929, invariably delighting its fans and television audiences around the world. Unsurprisingly, the Principality is well packed on its Grand Prix days. Celebrities and motor sports enthusiasts from all around the globe flock to the circuit.

But it's not just the Grand Prix racing that makes Monaco famous. Following three days of intense competitions, the Principality hosts the most prestigious parties of the year, attracting Formula-1 racers and their fans.

Planning to spend a Grand Prix weekend in Monaco? Start exploring the various options now: from the most exclusive and expensive to the budget one. Book your tickets, choose the most advantageous views of the track. Let’s start looking forward to the legendary race and get ready for more incredible stories and spectacular records as the racers continue to write the history of the unique Monaco Grand Prix circuit here in Monaco!