The motoring world is gearing up for the 75th annual Monaco Grand Prix in May, a major highlight of Formula 1 for the year. Baroque Access has all the details
The Grand Prix in Monaco epitomizes everything that’s exciting about Formula 1 racing… aside from the speed, the noise and the hint of danger, there’s the glamor and the passion that makes this particular Formula 1 Race stand out from the rest. The Principality of Monaco itself epitomizes everything that is glamorous and beautiful, and the reigning Grimaldi family has made this a highlight of the social calendar since its inception in 1929.
So what makes this Grand Prix so special? For starters, there’s the track, one of the most challenging on the calendar, a route that has stayed largely unchanged since it was first introduced 75 years ago. Then there’s the glamor factor, with celebrities, stars and royalty heading to Monaco specifically to watch the event. Notable actors and actresses who return time and again include George Clooney, Liz Hurley and Brad Pitt, whilst sports stars and billionaires are also usually in abundance.
Another reason that Monaco is so popular is the heady location itself. It’s right next door to the Cote d’Azur, France’s jet set vacation destination for the summer, and the beaches, the atmosphere, the weather and the entertainment is geared towards ensuring that time spent here is full of fun.
Important tips for those attending the Monaco Grand Prix
- Remember – the action on track starts a day earlier, which is different from every other Formula 1 race. In Monaco, the first day of practice is on Thursday (see schedule below). Friday is traditionally a rest day for the participants, and the ideal time to explore this magnificent little country. What to do: explore the harbour and stroll around the Palais du Prince, the Grimaldi family’s official residence for the past seven centuries.
- In Monaco you can’t buy a general admission ticket to the race. You need to book a grandstand seat – and the cost of this depends on where you are around the lap.
- A highlight of the weekend is time spent at the Amber Lounge, a top nightspot in the city.
- Try to get accommodation in Monaco itself – the closer to the track, the better. One of the top favorites is the Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo, located in Monaco’s Golden Square, which has an ideal location directly above the slowest and most dangerous turn on the track. If you’re staying there, you can and enjoy some of the best views of the race from the Dom Perignon Lounge. Alternatively, your guest room balcony is a good choice, or there’s the outdoor terrace of the hotel’s Michelin-starred Restaurant Joel Robuchon.
Monaco Grand Prix Schedule
To get you in the mood for this exciting event, here is the Monaco Grand Prix 2017 program. Note: Program is subject to change
Thursday 25 May
10 to 11.30am: Practice 1
12 to 12.45pm: GP2 Series Practice
2 to 3.30pm: Practice 2
4.15 to 4.31pm: Qualifying Session Group A
4.39 to 4.55pm: Qualifying Session Group B
5.30 to 6.15pm: Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup Practice
Friday 26 May
8 to 8.45am: Renault Series 2.0 Practice
9.45 to 10.15am: Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup Qualifying Race
11.15am to 12.20pm: GP2 Series First Race
Saturday 27 May
8 to 8.30am: Team Pit Stop Practice and Paddock Club Pit Lane Walk
9 to 9.55am: Renault Series 2.0 Qualifying Race
11am to 12pm: Practice 3
2pm: Qualifying Race
4.10 to 5pm: GP2 Series Second Race
Sunday 28 May
9.45 to 10.20am: Porsche Mobile 1 Supercup Race
11.10 to 11.40am: Renault Series 2.0 Race
12.30pm: Drivers Track Parade
12.45 to 1.15pm: Starting Grid Presentation
13.46pm: National Anthem
2pm: Grand Prix (78 laps)