History of Monaco Grand Prix in Timeline

The Monaco Grand Prix is a prestigious Formula One race held annually on the Circuit de Monaco. Established in 1929, it's part of the Triple Crown of Motorsport alongside the Indianapolis 500 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Uniquely, it doesn't meet the FIA's minimum race distance requirement for Formula One.

1928: ACM application refused

In 1928, the ACM's application to upgrade to full national status was refused due to the lack of a major motorsport event held wholly within Monaco's boundaries.

April 1929: Williams wins inaugural Monaco Grand Prix

On 14 April 1929, William Grover-Williams won the first Monaco Grand Prix driving a Bugatti Type 35B.

April 1929: First Monaco Grand Prix

On 14 April 1929, the first Monaco Grand Prix took place, marking the beginning of a historic race.

1929: First Monaco Grand Prix Organized

In 1929, the principality's first Grand Prix was organized by Antony Noghès under the auspices of Prince Louis II.

1929: Challenging Street Circuit

Since 1929, the Circuit de Monaco has been renowned for its elevation changes, tight corners, and narrow course, demanding precision and mental strength from drivers.

1931: Chiron's victory

In 1931, Chiron took victory in the Monaco Grand Prix driving a Bugatti.

1931: Chiron Wins Monaco Grand Prix

In 2024, Charles Leclerc became the second Monégasque to win the Monaco Grand Prix since Louis Chiron won the race in 1931.

1933: Monaco ranked as International Grand Prix

In 1933, Monaco was ranked as an International Grand Prix, and that year's race was the first in which grid positions were decided by practice time.

1936: Caracciola wins in stormy weather

In 1936, Rudolf Caracciola won the Monaco Grand Prix in stormy weather.

1937: von Brauchitsch wins Monaco Grand Prix

In 1937, von Brauchitsch won the Monaco Grand Prix after duelling with Caracciola.

1938: Monaco Grand Prix Cancelled

In 1938, the Monaco Grand Prix was cancelled due to lack of profits and high appearance money demands.

1939: Looming War

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, four months after the end of the war.

1945: End of organised racing in Europe

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

1946: Grand Prix category defined by FIA

In 1946, a new premier racing category, Grand Prix, was defined by the FIA, the successor of the AIACR.

1947: Monaco Grand Prix Not Run

In 1947, the Monaco Grand Prix was not run due to financial reasons.

1948: Monaco Grand Prix run to new formula

In 1948, a Monaco Grand Prix was run to the new formula, and was won by Nino Farina in a Maserati 4CLT.

1948: Motorbike Race Included

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

1949: Monaco Grand Prix Cancelled

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

1950: First F1 Race

After the first F1 race in 1950, in 1952, a non-championship sports car race was held.

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, solidifying its place in motorsport history.

1951: Monaco Grand Prix Not Held

In 1951, the Monaco Grand Prix was not held due to budgetary concerns and a lack of regulations in the sport.

1952: Non-Championship Sports Car Race

In 1952, a non-championship sports car race was held as part of the Monaco Grand Prix event.

1952: Race run to sports car rules

In 1952, the Monaco Grand Prix was run to sports car rules instead of Formula Two regulations.

1953: No races held in 1953

No races were held in 1953 because the car regulations were not finalized.

1954: Stirling Moss and Maurice Trintignant perform well

Between 1954 and 1961 Stirling Moss and Maurice Trintignant performed well.

1954: First Cancellation Since 1954

In 2020, the Monaco Grand Prix was cancelled for the first time since 1954 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

1954: No races held in 1954

No races were held in 1954 because the car regulations were not finalized.

1955: Alberto Ascari Crashes into Harbour

In 1955, Alberto Ascari famously crashed into the harbour at the Monaco Grand Prix.

1955: Monaco Grand Prix Returns

In 1955, the Monaco Grand Prix returned as part of the Formula One World Championship, beginning a streak of 64 consecutive years.

1955: European Grand Prix designation

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's Second Victory

In 1957, Juan Manuel Fangio won the Monaco Grand Prix for the second time, becoming the first double winner.

1958: Trintignant wins

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

1961: Moss's Monaco Victory

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

1963: Hill's First Monaco Win

In 1963, Graham Hill won the Monaco Grand Prix for the first time, starting his legacy as "Mr. Monaco".

1963: European Grand Prix designation

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

1965: Hill wins despite error

In 1965, Graham Hill won the Monaco Grand Prix despite going up an escape road to avoid a slow backmarker.

1966: Stewart wins

In 1966, Jackie Stewart won the Monaco Grand Prix.

1967: Hulme Wins

In 1967, Denny Hulme won the Monaco Grand Prix.

1969: Armco barriers added

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

1969: Hill's Final Championship Victory

In 1969, Graham Hill secured his final Formula One championship victory at the Monaco Grand Prix, his fifth Monaco win.

1972: FOCA Guarantees Entrants

In 1972, a stand-off occurred as Ecclestone started negotiating deals which relied on FOCA guaranteeing at least 18 entrants for every race.

1972: Circuit Altered

In 1972, the Monaco circuit was altered for the first time in its history; the pits were moved, and the chicane was moved further forward.

1973: Double Chicane Introduced

In 1973, the Monaco circuit introduced a double chicane around the new swimming pool.

1974: ACM Reduces Number of Cars

In 1974, the ACM reduced the number of cars permitted in the Monaco Grand Prix back down to 18.

1975: Smallest Grid

In 1975, the Monaco Grand Prix had the smallest grid, with only 18 cars permitted to start, compared to 23-26 cars at other races.

1976: Sainte Devote Corner Altered

In 1976, 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 at the Monaco Grand Prix, foreshadowing his future success in Formula One.

1980: Italian Grand Prix Exception

The Monaco Grand Prix has been held every time since 1929. Only the Italian Grand Prix has a close relationship with its circuit, Monza, except in 1980.

1982: Chaotic finish

The 1982 Monaco Grand Prix was a chaotic race that saw several lead changes and multiple drivers running out of fuel on the last lap before Patrese bump-started his car and went through to win.

1983: Disagreements between FISA and FOCA

In 1983, the ACM became entangled in the disagreements between FISA and FOCA over television rights.

1984: Prost's First Monaco Win

In 1984, Alain Prost won his first Monaco Grand Prix after the race started 45 minutes late due to heavy rain. Prost initially led, then was overtaken by Nigel Mansell, who later crashed. Prost regained the lead, but the race was stopped on lap 31 due to the conditions, leading to controversy and half points being awarded. A fine and suspension were issued to Jacky Ickx for not consulting stewards.

1985: Monaco Grand Prix threatened exclusion

In 1985, Jean-Marie Balestre announced that the Monaco Grand Prix would not form part of the Formula One world championship due to disagreements over television rights.

1985: Prost Wins Amidst Chaos

In 1985, Prost won after Senna's engine blew and Alboreto had issues following a crash involving Piquet and Patrese, with debris littering the track. Prost capitalized, securing the victory despite Alboreto's challenges.

1986: Prost Dominates After Chicane Change

In 1986, Prost dominated after starting from pole position, in a race where the Nouvelle Chicane had been changed on the grounds of safety.

1986: Nouvelle Chicane Added

In 1986, one of the times the circuit was updated with expansion, the Nouvelle Chicane was added to the Monaco Grand Prix track to improve safety and overtaking opportunities.

1987: Senna Wins with Active Suspension

In 1987, Ayrton Senna won the Monaco Grand Prix, marking the first time a car with an active suspension won a Grand Prix. This victory followed Nigel Mansell's retirement due to a broken exhaust. Senna's popularity was evident when he was released after being arrested for riding a motorcycle without a helmet.

1988: Ayrton Senna crashes out of the lead.

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

1988: Prost Wins After Senna Crashes

In 1988, Senna initially dominated, outpacing Prost until he crashed at the Portier corner. Prost then won the race, his fourth Monaco victory. Senna was so upset that he went back to his Monaco flat and was not heard from until the evening.

1989: Senna's victory streak begins

In 1989, Ayrton Senna began a streak of five consecutive wins, and his total of six Monaco Grand Prix victories.

1989: Ayrton Senna's Dominance Begins

In 1989, Ayrton Senna began his streak of dominance at the Monaco Grand Prix, winning five races consecutively.

1989: Senna dominates while Prost is stuck

In 1989, Senna dominated the Monaco Grand Prix while Prost struggled behind backmarkers.

1990: Senna Dominates

In 1990, Ayrton Senna dominated the Monaco Grand Prix.

1991: Senna Dominates

In 1991, Ayrton Senna dominated the Monaco Grand Prix.

1992: Senna Wins After Mansell's Pit Stop

In 1992, Nigel Mansell, who had won all five previous races, dominated until a loose wheel nut forced him to pit with seven laps remaining. Senna, on worn tyres, held off Mansell to win his fifth Monaco Grand Prix.

1993: Senna's Reign

Between 1989 and 1993, Ayrton Senna achieved five consecutive wins at Monaco, and secured eight podium finishes in ten starts, solidifying his legacy at the track.

1993: Senna Breaks Record with Sixth Win

In 1993, Ayrton Senna crashed in practice and qualified third, but won his sixth Monaco Grand Prix after Prost received a penalty and Schumacher retired, breaking Graham Hill's record. Damon Hill congratulated Senna.

1993: Senna's Fifth Consecutive Win

In 1993, Ayrton Senna secured his fifth consecutive victory at the Monaco Grand Prix, adding to his record.

1993: Senna and Prost Domination Era Ends

The decade between 1984 and 1993 saw Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna dominating the Monaco Grand Prix, marking them as two of the best drivers in Formula One history.

1994: Schumacher Wins Amid Tragedy

In 1994, Michael Schumacher won the Monaco Grand Prix, an emotional race following the deaths of Roland Ratzenberger and Ayrton Senna at Imola. Karl Wendlinger also had an accident, going into a coma.

1995: Schumacher Wins

In 1995, Michael Schumacher won the Monaco Grand Prix.

1996: Panis Wins Chaotic Race

In 1996, Olivier Panis, starting 14th, won the Monaco Grand Prix after Schumacher crashed, Hill's engine failed, and Alesi had suspension failure. Only three cars finished.

1998: Ilmor built Mercedes funded engine.

In 1998, Ilmor built an engine that was funded by Mercedes.

2003: Race Held in May

Since 2003, the Monaco Grand Prix has been held in May, deviating from its traditional timing around Ascension Day.

2004: Pit Area Expansion

In 2004, land reclamation work was completed to expand the pit area and construct a 6,000-seat grandstand in the Swimming Pool area at the Monaco Grand Prix.

2005: Ilmor built Mercedes funded engine.

In 2005, Ilmor built an engine that was funded by Mercedes.

2006: Schumacher's Controversial Qualifying

In 2006, Michael Schumacher stopped his car at the Rascasse hairpin during qualifying, blocking the track. Despite his claim of a car failure, the FIA disagreed and sent him to the back of the grid.

2006: Kimi Räikkönen retires to his yacht.

In the 2006 Monaco Grand Prix race, after retiring due to a mechanical failure while in second place, Kimi Räikkönen retired to his yacht, which was parked in the harbor.

July 2010: Ten-Year Deal Announced

In July 2010, Bernie Ecclestone announced a 10-year deal to keep the Monaco Grand Prix on the calendar until at least 2020.

2017: No Podium Until 2017

Until 2017, the Monaco Grand Prix lacked a proper podium. Instead, a section of the track was used as parc fermé, and drivers walked to the royal box for the ceremony.

2019: Hamilton Sets Qualifying Lap Record

In 2019, Lewis Hamilton set the fastest-ever qualifying lap at the Monaco Grand Prix, with a time of 1:10.166.

May 2020: Monaco Grand Prix Postponed Due to COVID-19

In May 2020, the Monaco Grand Prix was initially postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

2020: Deal Extends Race

In July 2010, a deal was reached to keep the Monaco Grand Prix on the calendar until at least 2020.

2021: Race Returns

After being cancelled in 2020, the Monaco Grand Prix returned in 2021.

2022: Drivers Crashing into the Harbour

As of 2022, two drivers have crashed and ended up in the harbour during the Monaco Grand Prix.

2022: Practice Sessions Moved to Friday

From the 2022 Monaco Grand Prix onwards, Formula One practice sessions were moved to Friday, aligning with other Grands Prix.

2022: Pérez Wins After Leclerc's Strategical Error

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

2022: Lewis Hamilton criticizes the race

Lewis Hamilton stated that the 2022 Monaco Grand Prix "wasn't really racing,"

2023: Triple Crown

As of 2023, the Monaco Grand Prix is part of the Triple Crown of Motorsport, alongside the Indianapolis 500 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, with Graham Hill being the only driver to have won all three races.

November 2024: ACM Signs New Race Contract

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

2024: Leclerc Becomes Second Monégasque Winner

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

2024: Charles Leclerc wins Monaco Grand Prix

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

2025: End of Previous Agreement

In November 2024, the ACM signed a new race contract to remain on the F1 calendar until the 2031 season, extending their previous agreement which was set to expire in 2025.