The Monaco Grand Prix, held annually on the Circuit de Monaco, is a prestigious Formula One race that dates back to 1929. This race is one of the most important in the world, forming part of the Triple Crown of Motorsport along with the Indianapolis 500 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Uniquely, the Monaco Grand Prix is the only Formula One race that doesn't adhere to the FIA's minimum race distance rule.
1928: ACM's Application for National Status
The Automobile Club de Monaco (ACM) applied to the Association Internationale des Automobiles Clubs Reconnus (AIACR) for national status in 1928 but was denied due to the lack of a major motorsport event held entirely within Monaco.
April 1929: First Monaco Grand Prix
The first Monaco Grand Prix was held in April 1929.
April 1929: First Monaco Grand Prix and Notable Participants
William Grover-Williams, under the pseudonym "Williams", won the first Monaco Grand Prix driving a Bugatti Type 35B in April 1929. Notable participants included Rudolf Caracciola, driving a Mercedes SSK, and Baron Philippe de Rothschild, competing as "Georges Philippe".
1929: Organization of the First Monaco Grand Prix
Antony Noghès organized the first Monaco Grand Prix in 1929.
1929: Circuit Safety Concerns
In 1929, La Vie Automobile magazine raised concerns about the safety of the Circuit de Monaco, stating that a respectable traffic system would have placed numerous danger signs along the track.
1929: First Monaco Grand Prix
The inaugural Monaco Grand Prix was held in 1929 and quickly gained recognition as a prestigious motor racing event.
1933: Recognition as an International Grand Prix and Grid Position Changes
The Monaco Grand Prix was officially recognized as an International Grand Prix by the AIACR in 1933. This year also marked a significant change in racing format, with grid positions being determined by practice times instead of the traditional balloting method.
1936: European Championship and Caracciola's Victory
The Monaco Grand Prix became a part of the European Championship in 1936. Rudolf Caracciola, known as "Regenmeister" (Rainmaster), won the race amidst challenging weather conditions.
1937: Von Brauchitsch's Victory
Rudolf Caracciola and Manfred von Brauchitsch battled for the lead in the 1937 Monaco Grand Prix, with von Brauchitsch ultimately securing the win.
1938: Cancellation of the Grand Prix
The Monaco Grand Prix was canceled in 1938 due to a lack of profit and high appearance fees demanded by top racers.
1939: Outbreak of World War II
The outbreak of World War II in 1939 halted organized racing events in Europe.
September 1945: Racing Resumes in Paris
Racing in Europe restarted in September 1945 at the Bois de Boulogne Park in Paris after the war.
1945: Resumption of Racing in Europe
Organized racing in Europe resumed in 1945 after the end of World War II.
1946: New Grand Prix Category Established
The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), the successor to the AIACR, established a new premier racing category called "Grand Prix" in 1946.
1947: No Monaco Grand Prix Held
The Monaco Grand Prix was not held between 1945 and 1947 due to financial constraints.
1948: Monaco Grand Prix Returns and Farina's Victory
The Monaco Grand Prix returned in 1948, run under the new Grand Prix formula, and was won by Nino Farina driving a Maserati 4CLT.
1950: Inclusion in Formula One World Championship
The Monaco Grand Prix became a part of the Formula One World Championship in 1950.
1951: Cancellation Due to Budgetary and Regulatory Issues
The Monaco Grand Prix was not held in 1951 due to budgetary problems and a lack of clear regulations in the sport.
1952: Formula Two Regulations and Sports Car Rules
The World Drivers' Championship adopted Formula Two regulations in 1952. However, the Monaco Grand Prix was run under sports car rules that year and was not part of the World Championship.
1953: No Race Held
No Monaco Grand Prix was held in 1953 due to the lack of finalized car regulations.
1954: Start of Moss and Trintignant's Success
Between 1954 and 1961, Stirling Moss and Maurice Trintignant achieved multiple victories at the Monaco Grand Prix.
1954: Race Cancellation
The 2020 Monaco Grand Prix was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, making it the first time the race was not run since 1954.
1954: No Race Held
The Monaco Grand Prix was not held in 1954 because car regulations were still not finalized.
1955: Ascari's Crash
Alberto Ascari crashed into the harbor at the Circuit de Monaco in 1955, one of only two drivers to do so in the race's history.
1955: Return to Formula One and Trintignant's Win
The Monaco Grand Prix returned as part of the Formula One World Championship in 1955, marking the beginning of a 64-year streak. Maurice Trintignant secured his first victory in Monte Carlo, while Louis Chiron, at 56, became the oldest driver to compete in a Formula One Grand Prix.
1955: Designated as the European Grand Prix
The Monaco Grand Prix was designated as the European Grand Prix in 1955, an honorary title given to one European race each year.
1957: Fangio's Second Victory
Juan Manuel Fangio won the Monaco Grand Prix for the second time in 1957.
1958: Trintignant's Second Victory
Maurice Trintignant achieved his second victory at the Monaco Grand Prix in 1958, driving a Cooper.
1961: Moss's Third Victory
Stirling Moss, driving a year-old privateer Lotus 18, triumphed over three Ferrari 156s to claim his third victory at the Monaco Grand Prix in 1961.
1963: Designated as the European Grand Prix
The Monaco Grand Prix was once again designated as the European Grand Prix in 1963.
1963: Graham Hill's First Monaco Grand Prix Victory
In 1963, Graham Hill achieved his first victory at the Monaco Grand Prix.
1965: Hill's Dominant Performance and Escape Road Incident
Graham Hill secured his second consecutive Monaco Grand Prix victory in 1965. He started from pole position and led the race but had to navigate an escape road on lap 25 to avoid a collision. Despite this, Hill set multiple lap records and went on to win. Notably, Jim Clark was absent from the race, and Paul Hawkins's car ended up in the harbor.
1966: Jackie Stewart's Monaco Victory
Jackie Stewart emerged triumphant at the 1966 Monaco Grand Prix.
1967: Denny Hulme's Monaco Triumph
Denny Hulme clinched victory at the 1967 Monaco Grand Prix.
1969: Introduction of Armco Barriers
In a significant safety improvement, Armco barriers were installed at specific points on the Monaco circuit for the first time in 1969. Prior to this, the track lacked substantial safety measures, leaving drivers vulnerable to collisions with structures and obstacles off-track.
1969: Hill's Final Championship Victory
The 1969 Monaco Grand Prix marked Graham Hill's final Formula One championship victory, securing his place as a two-time Formula One world champion.
1972: FOCA's Influence and Increased Grid Size
The 1972 Monaco Grand Prix became a point of contention between the Automobile Club de Monaco (ACM) and Bernie Ecclestone's Formula One Constructors Association (FOCA). Ecclestone sought to guarantee a minimum number of entrants for each race, leading to a standoff with the ACM, which traditionally limited the grid size. Ultimately, the ACM agreed to expand the grid to 26 cars, aligning with other circuits.
1972: Relocation of Pits and Chicane
The Monaco circuit underwent its first major alteration in 1972. The pits were moved to the waterfront straight between the chicane and Tabac. The chicane itself was shifted forward, becoming the junction point between the pits and the track. This year also marked a significant increase in Armco barriers, lining most of the circuit.
1973: Introduction of the Swimming Pool Chicane
Further modifications were implemented to the Monaco circuit in 1973. The construction of the Rainier III Nautical Stadium necessitated the creation of a double chicane that encircled the new swimming pool, known as the "Swimming Pool" chicane. This change also accommodated a new pit facility, enhancing the race infrastructure.
1974: Reduction in Grid Size
Following the grid expansion in 1972, the ACM successfully reduced the number of cars allowed in the 1974 Monaco Grand Prix back to 18. This decision reflected the ACM's desire to maintain the race's exclusivity and manage the challenges of the tight circuit.
1975: Smaller Grids at Monaco
In the past, the Monaco Grand Prix had smaller grids compared to other Grands Prix due to its narrow track. For example, only 18 cars started the 1975 race, while other rounds allowed 23 to 26 cars.
1976: Modifications to Sainte Devote and New Chicane
The 1976 Monaco Grand Prix saw further refinements to the circuit layout. The Sainte Devote corner was redesigned to be slower, and a new chicane was introduced right before the pit straight, impacting the race's flow and strategy.
1979: Prost's Formula Three Success
Before his Formula One triumphs, Alain Prost showcased his talent by winning the Formula Three support race in Monaco in 1979. This victory foreshadowed his future success at the prestigious event.
1980: Unique Circuit History
The Monaco Grand Prix is unique for being held on the same circuit, Circuit de Monaco, every year except for 1980. The Italian Grand Prix at Autodromo Nazionale Monza shares a similar distinction.
1982: Patrese's Unlikely Victory
The 1982 Monaco Grand Prix witnessed a dramatic and unpredictable finish. Riccardo Patrese emerged victorious in a race marked by spins and fuel shortages. Alain Prost, who had been leading, crashed with only a few laps remaining. Patrese inherited the lead but spun as well. However, both Didier Pironi, who had taken the lead, and Andrea de Cesaris ran out of fuel. This allowed Patrese to recover and secure his first-ever Grand Prix win.
1983: Television Rights Dispute
A disagreement over television rights emerged between the ACM and the Fédération Internationale du Sport Automobile (FISA) in 1983. The ACM, in collaboration with Bernie Ecclestone, struck a separate TV deal with ABC in the United States, violating FISA's centralized approach to television rights.
1984: Prost's First Monaco Win and Controversial Stoppage
Alain Prost secured his first Monaco Grand Prix victory in 1984 during a race heavily affected by rain. After a delayed start, Prost took the lead. However, the race was stopped on lap 31 due to treacherous conditions, a decision that sparked controversy as some argued the conditions were manageable. Half points were awarded, with Prost declared the winner.
1985: Prost's Second Monaco Victory
Alain Prost won his second Monaco Grand Prix in 1985 after Ayrton Senna, who started in pole position, retired due to engine failure. Michele Alboreto, who had briefly taken the lead, crashed at Sainte-Devote, leaving Prost to secure a dominant victory.
1985: Threat of Exclusion and Reinstatement
In response to the 1983 television rights dispute, FISA president Jean-Marie Balestre announced the exclusion of the Monaco Grand Prix from the 1985 Formula One World Championship. The ACM contested this decision in French courts and ultimately succeeded in having the race reinstated.
1986: Prost's Dominant Victory and Nouvelle Chicane Changes
Starting from pole position, Alain Prost dominated the 1986 Monaco Grand Prix. Notably, the Nouvelle Chicane underwent safety modifications for this race, impacting the circuit's layout and driving challenges.
1987: Senna's First Monaco Win and Active Suspension Breakthrough
Ayrton Senna achieved a historic victory at the 1987 Monaco Grand Prix, marking the first time a car equipped with active suspension won a Formula One race. Senna's win was notable for his masterful performance and the technological advancement it represented in motorsport.
1988: Senna's Crash and Prost's Fourth Victory
Despite a strong performance, Ayrton Senna crashed out of the 1988 Monaco Grand Prix while leading. This allowed his teammate, Alain Prost, to capitalize and secure his fourth victory at the event, further solidifying his reputation as a Monaco master.
1988: Ayrton Senna's Retirement in 1988
After crashing out of the lead in the 1988 Monaco Grand Prix, Ayrton Senna famously retreated to his apartment, highlighting the proximity of the circuit to drivers' residences.
1989: Start of Ayrton Senna's Winning Streak
Ayrton Senna began his consecutive winning streak at the Monaco Grand Prix in 1989, ultimately winning five times in a row.
1989: Ayrton Senna Dominates
Ayrton Senna dominated the Monaco Grand Prix in 1989, winning the race ahead of Alain Prost.
1989: Beginning of Senna's Monaco Dominance
Ayrton Senna embarked on an unprecedented period of dominance at the Monaco Grand Prix in 1989, beginning a streak of five consecutive victories. His exceptional car control and strategic brilliance allowed him to conquer the challenging circuit repeatedly.
1990: Senna's Continued Dominance
Ayrton Senna continued his winning streak at the Monaco Grand Prix in 1990, securing another victory.
1991: Senna's Third Consecutive Win
Ayrton Senna achieved his third consecutive win at the Monaco Grand Prix in 1991, solidifying his dominance at the event.
1992: Mansell vs. Senna
Nigel Mansell and Ayrton Senna engaged in a thrilling battle for victory at the 1992 Monaco Grand Prix. Mansell, dominating the race initially, suffered a pit stop setback, allowing Senna to take the win.
1993: Senna's Fifth Consecutive Monaco Victory
Ayrton Senna etched his name in Monaco Grand Prix history by achieving his fifth consecutive win at the event in 1993. This remarkable feat cemented his legacy as one of the greatest drivers to ever compete on the challenging circuit.
1993: End of Ayrton Senna's Winning Streak
Ayrton Senna's five-year winning streak at the Monaco Grand Prix ended in 1993.
1993: Senna Breaks Hill's Record
Despite a challenging start, Ayrton Senna emerged victorious at the 1993 Monaco Grand Prix, securing his sixth win at the event and surpassing Graham Hill's record.
1994: Schumacher's Emotional Victory
Michael Schumacher won the 1994 Monaco Grand Prix, a race marked by the tragic deaths of Roland Ratzenberger and Ayrton Senna at Imola.
1995: Schumacher's Second Win
Michael Schumacher secured his second consecutive victory at the Monaco Grand Prix in 1995.
1996: Panis's Unexpected Triumph
Olivier Panis, starting from 14th position, achieved a surprise victory at the 1996 Monaco Grand Prix after early retirements from Michael Schumacher, Damon Hill, and Jean Alesi.
1998: Ilmor and Mercedes Collaboration Begins
In 1998, Ilmor, funded by Mercedes, began building engines for the Monaco Grand Prix.
2005: End of Ilmor and Mercedes Collaboration
2005 marked the end of the collaboration between Ilmor and Mercedes in building engines for the Monaco Grand Prix.
2006: Formula One Drivers in Monaco in 2006
In 2006, several Formula One drivers, including Jenson Button and David Coulthard, owned property in Monaco. Kimi Räikkönen, after retiring from the race due to mechanical failure, retreated to his yacht in the harbor.
2006: Schumacher's Controversial Move
Michael Schumacher attracted criticism for blocking the track with his car during qualifying for the 2006 Monaco Grand Prix, a move considered intentional by the FIA.
July 2010: Monaco Grand Prix Secured Until 2020
Bernie Ecclestone announced a 10-year deal to keep the Monaco Grand Prix on the Formula One calendar until at least 2020.
2017: Unique Podium Ceremony
Until 2017, the Monaco Grand Prix did not have a traditional podium. The top three drivers parked their cars on a closed section of the track and walked to the royal box for the ceremony.
2019: Hamilton Sets Fastest Qualifying Lap
Lewis Hamilton set the fastest-ever qualifying lap at the Circuit de Monaco during the 2019 Monaco Grand Prix.
May 2020: Monaco Grand Prix Postponed and Cancelled
The 2020 Monaco Grand Prix was initially postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic but was later cancelled, marking the first time the race was not run since 1954.
2020: Ten-Year Deal Secured
In July 2010, a 10-year deal ensured the Monaco Grand Prix would remain on the Formula One calendar until at least 2020.
2021: Verstappen's First Monaco Win
Max Verstappen won his first Monaco Grand Prix in 2021, marking his first victory at the prestigious event.
September 2022: New Race Contract Signed
In September 2022, the Monaco Grand Prix secured a new contract to remain on the Formula One calendar until the 2025 season.
2022: Circuit de Monaco: The Ultimate Test
As of 2022, only two drivers have crashed and ended up in the harbor at the Circuit de Monaco. The challenging circuit is considered a true test of driving skills in Formula One.
2022: Leclerc's Pole Position and Perez's Victory
Charles Leclerc secured his first Monaco Grand Prix pole position in 2022, but a strategic error resulted in him finishing fourth. Sergio Perez won the rain-affected race.
2022: Practice Schedule Changes
Starting from the 2022 Monaco Grand Prix, the first two Formula One practice sessions were moved to Friday, aligning with other Grands Prix. Support races continued to be held on Thursday.
2022: Criticism of the Monaco Grand Prix in 2022
The 2022 Monaco Grand Prix faced criticism from drivers and commentators who found it uneventful due to the lack of overtaking opportunities. Lewis Hamilton remarked that the race "wasn't really racing."
2023: The Monaco Grand Prix in 2023
As of 2023, the Monaco Grand Prix continues to be a prestigious race, holding its place as one of the three races that form the Triple Crown of Motorsport.
2023: Inflation Adjustment
In 2023, it was noted that the appearance fees demanded in 1938 would equate to roughly £40,000 after adjusting for inflation.
2024: A Monaco Native Wins Again
Another Monaco native won the event in 2024, marking the first time since Chiron's victory in 1931.
2024: Leclerc's Historic Win
Charles Leclerc, driving for Ferrari, became the second Monegasque driver to win the Monaco Grand Prix in 2024.
2025: Contract Extension
The Monaco Grand Prix signed a new contract in September 2022, ensuring its place on the Formula One calendar until the 2025 season.