2024 Monaco GP: a review of most important F1 statistics and records in Monte Carlo. Most important F1 statistics, figures, records in Monaco Grand Prix.

The Monaco Grand Prix weekend is a highlight of the Formula 1 season, blending speed, skill, and glamour against the backdrop of the Côte d’Azur. As teams and drivers prepare for the challenge, fans worldwide anticipate another unforgettable chapter in the history of this iconic race.

**History of the Monaco Grand Prix Circuit**

The Monaco Grand Prix circuit holds the distinction of being the second circuit to host a Formula 1 race on May 21, 1950, shortly after Silverstone. However, its racing legacy dates back to 1929. Renowned as one of the last “circuits of men,” it highlights a driver’s skill, a fact underscored by Ayrton Senna’s six victories here. Remarkably, the track has remained almost unchanged since 1950, spanning 3.34 km.

The race begins with the challenging Sainte Dévote corner, notorious for numerous incidents. From there, drivers ascend towards the iconic left-right sequence at the Casino of Monte-Carlo, right in front of the Hotel de Paris, before descending towards the Mirabeau right curve. The circuit then leads to the championship’s slowest corner, the Fairmont Hairpin (previously known as Loews), situated by the Fairmont Hotel Monte-Carlo. Following this, the Portier section guides drivers towards the seafront, into a tunnel that emerges near the Port Palace and Miramar hotels. Subsequently, drivers navigate the left turn at the Tobacco Shop, into the pool section, and onto the challenging right turn at La Rascasse, followed by the Anthony Noghes corner, before crossing the start-finish line.

**Transformations of the Monaco Circuit**

Despite its storied history, the Monaco circuit has seen relatively few modifications:

– **1973**: Introduction of a new road by the swimming pool area, enabling the installation of grandstands along the quay.

– **1976**: Addition of two new chicanes at Sainte Dévote and the Rascasse exit.

– **1986**: The Quai des Etats Unis was widened, facilitating the creation of a new chicane.

– **1997**: The first “S” of the swimming pool section was redesigned and named the “Louis Chiron” turn.

– **2003**: The first phase of the circuit’s redevelopment focused on the southern part of the port, reclaiming 5000 square meters from the sea. The track between the second “S” of the swimming pool and La Rascasse was shifted 10 meters from its original location and completely reconfigured, including a new chicane at the exit of the second swimming pool turn.

– **2004**: The esplanade’s width, accommodating the pit lane area along Boulevard Albert 1st, was doubled through the construction of a new building on the footprint of the old track between the swimming pool and La Rascasse, providing new grandstands, each spanning 250 square meters, for team use.

Prominent Figures and Teams in Monaco Grand Prix History

Ayrton Senna stands as the unparalleled icon of the Monaco Grand Prix, clinching victory six times. Graham Hill and Michael Schumacher are close behind with five wins each. Alain Prost concluded his illustrious career with four Monaco victories, while Stirling Moss, Jackie Stewart, Nico Rosberg, and Lewis Hamilton each have celebrated three wins at this prestigious circuit.

Graham Hill is singular in achieving the Triple Crown of Motorsport, a testament to his versatile driving prowess.

When it comes to teams, McLaren leads the pack in Monte Carlo with an impressive tally of 15 wins, surpassing Ferrari’s 10 victories. Mercedes has ascended the podium eight times, and Lotus has engraved its name on the winner’s trophy seven times, highlighting their significant contributions to the race’s storied history.

The 2023 Monaco Grand Prix Overview

In Monaco, the battle for pole position often overshadows the race itself, given the circuit’s notorious difficulty for overtaking. The 2023 edition saw a thrilling climax in the qualifying rounds, with Fernando Alonso looking set to claim the top spot. However, Max Verstappen’s masterful drive through the final trio of corners snatched pole position from Alonso. This dramatic qualification set the stage for the race, where Verstappen maintained his lead to secure the victory. Alonso followed closely in second, while Esteban Ocon made a remarkable leap to third place, thanks to his strong qualifying performance, showcasing the critical importance of strategy and precision in the Monaco Grand Prix.

The 2020 Monaco Grand Prix was called off in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, marking the event’s first cancellation since 1954.

With a history of hosting 70 World Championship races, Circuit de Monaco stands as the second track, following Monza, to achieve this milestone. Ferrari leads with a record 12 team pole positions in Monaco. McLaren is poised to match this record if they secure pole position at the 2024 Monaco Grand Prix.

Grand Prix info