History of Monaco Grand Prix in Timeline

The Monaco Grand Prix is a prestigious Formula One race held annually on the Circuit de Monaco. Dating back to 1929, it's considered among the world's most important automobile races and part of the Triple Crown of Motorsport, along with the Indianapolis 500 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Uniquely, it's the only Grand Prix that doesn't meet the FIA's minimum race distance requirement of 305 kilometers.

1928: ACM application refused due to lack of major motorsport event

In 1928, the ACM applied to the Association Internationale des Automobiles Clubs Reconnus (AIACR) to be upgraded from a regional French club to full national status, but their application was refused due to the lack of a major motorsport event held wholly within Monaco's boundaries.

April 1929: William Grover-Williams wins first Monaco Grand Prix

On 14 April 1929, William Grover-Williams (using the pseudonym "Williams") won the first Monaco Grand Prix, driving a works Bugatti Type 35B.

April 1929: First Monaco Grand Prix takes place

On 14 April 1929, the first Monaco Grand Prix took place. It later became part of the pre-Second World War European Championship.

1929: Early Perceptions of the Circuit

In 1929, La Vie Automobile magazine noted that the Monaco track was so dangerous that any respectable traffic system would have covered the track with 'Danger' sign posts left, right and center.

1929: First Monaco Grand Prix organized

In 1929, the principality's first Grand Prix was organised by Antony Noghès, under the auspices of Prince Louis II, through the Automobile Club de Monaco (ACM).

1929: Inaugural Monaco Grand Prix

Since 1929, the Monaco Grand Prix has been held on the Circuit de Monaco, traversing the city streets of Monte Carlo and La Condamine.

1931: Chiron takes victory in the 1931 race

Chiron took victory in the 1931 race driving a Bugatti. He remained the only native of Monaco to have won the event until 2024.

1931: Louis Chiron wins the Monaco Grand Prix

In 1931, Louis Chiron won the Monaco Grand Prix, driving a Bugatti.

1931: Last Monégasque Winner Before Leclerc

In 2024, Charles Leclerc became the second Monégasque driver to win the Monaco Grand Prix, following Louis Chiron's win in 1931. The top 10 cars finished in their starting order, and there were no successful overtakes.

1933: Monaco Grand Prix ranked as International Grand Prix in 1933

In 1933, Monaco was ranked as an International Grand Prix, alongside the French, Belgian, Italian, and Spanish Grands Prix. This year's race was the first in which grid positions were decided by practice time.

1936: Caracciola wins the 1936 Monaco Grand Prix amidst crashes

In 1936, Rudolf Caracciola won the Monaco Grand Prix amidst stormy weather and a series of crashes that eliminated several Mercedes-Benzes and an Auto Union.

1937: Von Brauchitsch wins 1937 Monaco Grand Prix

In 1937, von Brauchitsch duelled Caracciola before winning the Monaco Grand Prix. It was the last prewar Grand Prix at Monaco.

1938: Monaco Grand Prix cancelled in 1938

In 1938, the Monaco Grand Prix was cancelled due to lack of profits for organisers and demand for high appearance money per top entrant.

1939: Looming war overtakes Monaco Grand Prix in 1939

In 1939, the looming Second World War overtook the Monaco Grand Prix.

September 1945: Racing restarts in Europe

On 9 September 1945, racing in Europe started again at the Bois de Boulogne Park in Paris, after the end of the war in Europe.

1945: Second World War ends organised racing in Europe until 1945

In 1945, the Second World War ended organised racing in Europe.

1946: Grand Prix premier racing category defined

In 1946, the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) defined a new premier racing category, Grand Prix, based on the pre-war voiturette class.

1947: Monaco Grand Prix not run between 1945 and 1947

The Monaco Grand Prix was not run between 1945 and 1947 due to financial reasons.

1948: Nino Farina wins Monaco Grand Prix in Maserati 4CLT

In 1948, Nino Farina won the Monaco Grand Prix driving a Maserati 4CLT.

1948: Motorbike race included in 1948 Monaco Grand Prix event

In 1948, a motorbike race was included in the Monaco Grand Prix event.

1949: 1949 Monaco Grand Prix cancelled

The 1949 Monaco Grand Prix event was cancelled due to the death of Prince Louis II.

1950: Monaco Grand Prix included in first World Championship of Drivers

In 1950, the Monaco Grand Prix was included in the first World Championship of Drivers.

1951: No race in 1951 due to budgetary concerns

There was no Monaco Grand Prix race in 1951 due to budgetary concerns and a lack of regulations in the sport.

1952: Monaco Grand Prix run to sports car rules in 1952

In 1952, the Monaco Grand Prix was run to sports car rules instead of Formula Two regulations, and it did not form part of the World Championship.

1953: No Monaco Grand Prix races held in 1953

No races were held in 1953 due to the fact that the car regulations were not finalized.

1954: Consecutive years race streak begins

In 1954 and 1955 the Monaco Grand Prix returned as part of the Formula One World Championship, beginning a streak of 64 consecutive years in which the race was held.

1954: Last Cancellation Before 2020

In May 2020, the FIA announced the postponement of the 2020 Monaco Grand Prix due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Later, the race was cancelled, marking the first time the Grand Prix was not run since 1954.

1954: No Monaco Grand Prix races held in 1954

No races were held in 1954 due to the fact that the car regulations were not finalized.

1955: Ascari Crashes into Harbour

As of 2025, two drivers have crashed and ended up in the harbour, the most famous being Alberto Ascari in 1955.

1955: Monaco Grand Prix returns to Formula One World Championship in 1955

In 1955, the Monaco Grand Prix returned as part of the Formula One World Championship, beginning a streak of 64 consecutive years in which the race was held. Maurice Trintignant won and Chiron became the oldest driver to compete in a Formula One Grand Prix.

1955: Monaco Grand Prix designated European Grand Prix

In 1955, the Monaco Grand Prix was designated the European Grand Prix, an honorary title given each year to one Grand Prix race in Europe.

1957: Fangio becomes a double winner at the Monaco Grand Prix in 1957

In 1957, Fangio won the Monaco Grand Prix again, becoming the first double winner of the event.

1958: Trintignant wins the Monaco Grand Prix again in 1958

In 1958, Trintignant won the Monaco Grand Prix again driving a Cooper.

1960: F1 Champions win the Indy 500

Since the 1960, when F1 Champions like Jim Clark and Graham Hill won the Indy 500, the events often overlapped.

1961: Moss wins 1961 Monaco Grand Prix

In 1961, Moss won the Monaco Grand Prix fending off three works Ferrari 156s in a year-old privateer Rob Walker Racing Team Lotus 18 to take his third Monaco victory.

1963: Graham Hill wins the 1963 Monaco Grand Prix

In 1963, Graham Hill won the Monaco Grand Prix for the first time.

1963: Monaco Grand Prix designated European Grand Prix

In 1963, the Monaco Grand Prix was designated the European Grand Prix, an honorary title given each year to one Grand Prix race in Europe.

1965: Graham Hill wins the Monaco Grand Prix in 1965 after overcoming a setback

In 1965, Graham Hill won the Monaco Grand Prix after going up an escape road, setting several new lap records on the way to winning.

1966: Jackie Stewart wins in 1966

In 1966, Briton Jackie Stewart, won the Monaco Grand Prix.

1967: Denny Hulme wins in 1967

In 1967, New Zealander Denny Hulme won the Monaco Grand Prix.

1969: Armco barriers placed at specific points

In 1969, Armco barriers were placed at specific points for the first time in the circuit's history of Monaco Grand Prix to improve safety.

1969: Graham Hill wins 1969 Monaco Grand Prix

In 1969, Graham Hill won the Monaco Grand Prix, marking his final Formula One championship victory.

1972: ACM agrees to 26 car participation in 1972 Monaco Grand Prix

In 1972, the ACM gave in and agreed that 26 cars could participate in the Monaco Grand Prix.

1972: Monaco circuit altered for the first time in 1972

In 1972, the Monaco circuit was altered for the first time, with the pits moved next to the waterfront straight and the chicane relocated.

1973: Monaco circuit changed again for 1973

The Monaco circuit was changed again for the 1973 race. The Rainier III Nautical Stadium was constructed and the circuit introduced a double chicane that went around the new swimming pool.

1974: ACM reduces car participation numbers

In 1974, the ACM got the numbers back down to 18 for car participation numbers.

1975: Limited number of cars permitted to start

In 1975, the Monaco Grand Prix only permitted 18 cars to start the race due to the narrow and twisting track, while other rounds that year allowed 23 to 26 cars.

1976: Monaco circuit altered again in 1976

In 1976, the Monaco circuit was altered again. The Sainte Devote corner was made slower and a chicane was placed right before the pit straight.

1979: Prost wins Formula Three support race

In 1979, Alain Prost won the support race for Formula Three cars.

1980: Italian Grand Prix's Only Absence from Monza

Since 1929, the Monaco Grand Prix has been held on the Circuit de Monaco, traversing the city streets of Monte Carlo and La Condamine – only the Italian Grand Prix, which has been held at Autodromo Nazionale Monza during every Formula One regulated year except 1980, has a similarly lengthy and close relationship with a single circuit.

1982: Riccardo Patrese wins the 1982 Monaco Grand Prix

In 1982, Riccardo Patrese won the Monaco Grand Prix after a series of lead changes and cars running out of fuel on the last lap.

1983: ACM Negotiates Television Rights Deal with ABC

In 1983, the ACM, with Bernie Ecclestone's agreement, negotiated an individual television rights deal with ABC in the United States, breaking an agreement enforced by FISA for a single central negotiation of television rights.

1984: Alain Prost's First Monaco Win

In 1984, Alain Prost secured his first Monaco win after a race start delayed by 45 minutes due to heavy rain. Nigel Mansell briefly led before crashing, and the race was controversially stopped on lap 31 due to undriveable conditions. Jacky Ickx, the clerk of the course, was later fined for not consulting the stewards before stopping the race, and drivers received only half points.

1985: Prost Wins After Senna's Retirement

In 1985, Alain Prost won the Monaco Grand Prix after polesitter Ayrton Senna retired due to a blown Renault engine. Michele Alboreto briefly retook the lead but went off track, allowing Prost to pass him. Alboreto then punctured a tire, dropping him to 4th, and he finished 2nd behind Prost.

1985: Monaco Grand Prix Excluded from Formula One Championship

In 1985, FISA president Jean-Marie Balestre announced that the Monaco Grand Prix would not form part of the Formula One world championship. The ACM fought the case in French courts and eventually won, reinstating the race.

1986: Addition of the Nouvelle Chicane

Although Formula One cars have grown in size, the Circuit de Monaco has rarely expanded (with the notable exception of the addition of the Nouvelle Chicane in 1986), limiting overtaking opportunities and on-track entertainment.

1986: Prost Dominates Amidst Track Changes

In 1986, Alain Prost dominated the Monaco Grand Prix after starting from pole position. The Nouvelle Chicane had been changed on the grounds of safety before this race.

1987: Senna Wins with Active Suspension Car

In 1987, Ayrton Senna won the Monaco Grand Prix, marking the first time a car with an active suspension had won a Grand Prix. He won after Nigel Mansell retired with a broken exhaust. Senna was briefly arrested for riding a motorcycle without a helmet but was released.

1988: Prost Wins After Senna's Crash

In 1988, Ayrton Senna dominated early in the Monaco Grand Prix but crashed after touching a barrier at the Portier corner. Alain Prost, Senna's teammate, went on to win the race.

1988: Ayrton Senna retired to his apartment

In 1988, Ayrton Senna famously retired to his apartment after crashing out of the lead of the Monaco Grand Prix.

1989: Senna's Winning Streak Begins

In 1989, Ayrton Senna began a dominant streak at the Monaco Grand Prix.

1989: Ayrton Senna begins a streak of Monaco Grand Prix victories

In 1989, Ayrton Senna began a streak of winning five Monaco Grand Prix races consecutively.

1989: Senna Dominates, Prost Hampered

In 1989, Ayrton Senna dominated the Monaco Grand Prix while Alain Prost was held up by backmarkers.

1990: Senna's Continued Dominance

In 1990, Ayrton Senna continued his dominance at the Monaco Grand Prix.

1991: Senna's Continued Dominance

In 1991, Ayrton Senna continued his dominance at the Monaco Grand Prix.

1992: Senna Defeats Mansell in Close Finish

In 1992, Nigel Mansell dominated the Monaco Grand Prix until a loose wheel nut forced him into the pits. Ayrton Senna, on worn tires, emerged in the lead. Mansell, on fresh tires, closed the gap but could not pass Senna, who won the race by two-tenths of a second. This was Senna's fifth win at Monaco, equalling Graham Hill's record.

1993: Senna and Prost's Dominance

From 1984 to 1993, the Monaco Grand Prix was dominated by Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna. In 1993, Senna continued his strong performance at Monaco.

1993: Senna Continues Monaco Success

In 1993, Ayrton Senna continued his successful run at the Monaco Grand Prix.

1993: Senna Breaks Monaco Wins Record

In 1993, Ayrton Senna crashed in practice but managed to qualify 3rd. After Prost received a penalty and Schumacher retired, Senna took his sixth win at Monaco, breaking Graham Hill's record for most wins at the Monaco Grand Prix.

1993: Ayrton Senna wins his fifth consecutive Monaco Grand Prix

In 1993, Ayrton Senna won his fifth consecutive Monaco Grand Prix.

1994: Tragic Race and Schumacher's Win

The 1994 Monaco Grand Prix was an emotional and tragic event, occurring two weeks after the deaths of Roland Ratzenberger and Ayrton Senna at Imola. Karl Wendlinger had an accident, and Michael Schumacher won the race.

1995: Schumacher Wins Again

In 1995, Michael Schumacher won the Monaco Grand Prix.

1996: Panis Wins Chaotic Race

In 1996, Michael Schumacher crashed out on the first lap after Damon Hill took the lead. Hill's engine failed, and Jean Alesi suffered suspension failure. Olivier Panis, who started in 14th place, won the race, the last for his Ligier team. Only three cars finished, but seven were classified.

2003: Race date moved to May

Since 2003, the Monaco Grand Prix has been held in May, departing from its tradition of being held on the week of Ascension Day.

2004: Expansion of Pit Area

In 2004, land reclamation work was completed at the Monaco Grand Prix, allowing for the expansion of the pit area with larger temporary garages. A temporary 6,000 seat grandstand was also constructed in the Swimming Pool area.

2006: Schumacher's Controversial Qualifying

In 2006, Michael Schumacher attracted criticism at the Monaco Grand Prix when he stopped his car at the Rascasse hairpin during qualifying, blocking the track. The FIA disagreed with Schumacher's claim of a car failure and sent him to the back of the grid.

2006: Drivers residing in Monaco

In 2006, several Formula One contenders, including Jenson Button and David Coulthard, had property in Monaco due to its tax status. Kimi Räikkönen retired to his yacht after a mechanical failure during the race.

July 2010: 10-Year Deal Reached to Keep Race on Calendar

In July 2010, Bernie Ecclestone announced that a 10-year deal had been reached with the Monaco Grand Prix organizers, securing the race's place on the calendar until at least 2020.

2017: No proper podium at the race until 2017

Until 2017, the Monaco Grand Prix did not have a proper podium. Instead, a section of the track was closed to serve as parc fermé, and the top three drivers walked to the royal box for the podium ceremony.

May 2020: Monaco Grand Prix Postponed and Then Cancelled

2020: Deal Keeps Race on Calendar Until 2020

In July 2010, Bernie Ecclestone announced that a 10-year deal had been reached with the Monaco Grand Prix organizers, securing the race's place on the calendar until at least 2020.

2021: Race Returns

The Monaco Grand Prix returned in 2021 after being cancelled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

2022: Pérez Wins After Leclerc's Strategical Error

In 2022, Charles Leclerc achieved his first Monaco Grand Prix pole position, but a strategical error caused him to drop to fourth. Sergio Pérez won the race.

2022: Criticism of the Grand Prix

In 2022, Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton criticized the Monaco Grand Prix, calling it "the most boring race ever" due to few overtake attempts.

2022: Formula One practice sessions moved to Friday

In 2022, the first two Formula One practice sessions were moved to Friday, aligning the Monaco Grand Prix running schedule with other Grands Prix events.

2023: Cost of appearance money adjusted to 2023 inflation

In 1938, demand for nearly £500 (approximately £40000 adjusted to 2023 inflation) in appearance money per top entrant led AIACR to cancel the event.

November 2024: New Race Contract Signed

In November 2024, the ACM signed a new race contract to remain on the F1 calendar until the 2031 season. The ACM relinquished advertising rights and television coverage to Formula One Management.

2024: Leclerc Wins, First Monégasque Since 1931

2024: Charles Leclerc wins the Monaco Grand Prix

In 2024, Charles Leclerc became the second Monégasque driver to win the Monaco Grand Prix.

2024: Dull Race Leads to Rule Changes

The 2024 Monaco Grand Prix was considered particularly dull, with a lap-one red flag allowing drivers to effectively convert their races into a zero-stop race. Following the race, the FIA passed a new rule requiring all drivers to make at least two pit stops at Monaco, with the explicit goal of making the race more entertaining.

September 2025: Contract Extended to 2035

In September 2025, the contract was extended until 2035.

2025: Graham Hill is the only driver to have won the Triple Crown as of 2025

As of 2025, Graham Hill remains the only driver to have won the Triple Crown by winning the Monaco Grand Prix, the Indianapolis 500, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

2025: Circuit Still Regarded as Ultimate Test

As of 2025, the Circuit de Monaco, largely unchanged since 1929, remains widely regarded as the ultimate test of driving skills and mental strength.

2025: Fastest Qualifying Lap by Lando Norris

In 2025, Lando Norris set the fastest qualifying lap at the Monaco Grand Prix, with a time of 1:09.954.

2025: Mandatory Tyre Usage Rules Introduced

The 2025 Monaco Grand Prix introduced different tyre usage rules, mandating two pit stops and the use of three sets of tyres during the race, with at least two different compounds. Despite these changes, the racing quality remained poor, and Lando Norris won after starting on pole position.

2026: Race Date Change

From 2026, the Monaco Grand Prix will be held on the first weekend of June, avoiding a clash with the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600.

2026: Race date moves to first weekend of June

From 2026, the Monaco Grand Prix will be held on the first weekend of June.

2026: Monaco ePrix and Grand Prix dates shift in 2026

In 2026, the Monaco ePrix will take over the Ascension Thursday weekend, while the 2026 Monaco Grand Prix was moved to June for the first time, to take place on Corpus Christi Thursday weekend, with the GP on June 7.

2026: Drivers competing in the Formula One championship in 2026

In 2026, the text indicates which drivers are competing in the Formula One championship, using bold text to highlight them.

2031: Race Scheduled Until 2031

In November 2024, the ACM signed a new race contract to remain on the F1 calendar until the 2031 season. The ACM relinquished advertising rights and television coverage to Formula One Management.