Scuderia fans dot the globe. No matter how far a person wanders, they’re likely to find another Ferrari fan in their midst—even in areas where motorsports aren’t huge. This is thanks to the storied and next-level branding of the Ferrari company. But, as any Tifosi knows, it’s also about that ingrained style.
Few places in Europe (or the world, for that matter) are as stylish as Monaco. This tiny nation-state is one of the wealthiest in the world thanks to the Grimaldi Family. Since the 13th century, the Grimaldis (headed by Prince Albert II today), have ruled Monaco thanks to a seemingly endless trove of wealth—and it shows.
It’s no surprise that Ferrari seems particularly at home in Monaco. Not only does the nation have a pedigree of class that Scuderia fans can recognize, but one of the most beloved and popular drivers in Formula One hails from Monaco—and he drives a Ferrari. But driver Charles Leclerc is the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what makes Monaco so special to Scuderia fans.
The Monaco Atmosphere
Monaco today is a playground for the wealthy—and the travelers who make it there. The recent Monaco Grand Prix saw dozens of celebrities show up, from Kylian Mbappe to Heidi Klum to Matt Damon. While they’re in town, they’re likely to frequent some of the most prestigious locations in the area.
For example, the Casino di Monte Carlo is a famous stopover for fans of poker and similar games. Today, the vast majority of players prefer to play online. Not only is it a good way to discover new variants and tactics, but it’s also a more affordable and accessible option. Online, players can develop their skills, participate in tournaments, and compete for the chance to play at live events. Despite the move to the digital world, it remains a prestigious and competitive game.
But for those in Monaco, the goal is to be seen out and about.
The same goes for luxury shopping. Even though most people find their latest favorites via online stores and other types of eCommerce, Monaco is home to some of the top brands in the world. From Balmain to YSL, visitors will spend time at some of Europe’s most luxurious stores.
Last but not least, despite the fact that Monaco is tiny, Scuderia fans can find two different Ferrari stores. One is geared toward Ferrari vehicles and servicing, while the other focuses on accessories and even clothing. Both offer fans a direct connection between the brand and the country.
The Leclerc Factor
As mentioned up top, one of the core reasons why Ferrari seems to fit beautifully with the Monegasque life is thanks to Charles Leclerc. Leclerc comes from an F1 family and grew up in Monaco—something that has always shown on the track. After years of chasing a first-place win in Monaco, Leclerc finally saw victory this year.
That’s a huge deal for a few reasons. First, because Leclerc had finished on the podium twice before. On both occasions, bad luck had ruled him out of a better finish—but this year, nothing got in his way. Second, this first-place win makes Leclerc the first Monegasque driver to ever place first at the Monaco Grand Prix—and he did it with Ferrari.
In fact, Leclerc has been Ferrari’s golden boy since he joined in 2016. At the time, he was a junior development driver with an unclear future. Though he’d completed Ferrari Driver Academy, that doesn’t automatically convert into a viable career. Thankfully, it did for Leclerc. He’s been the constructor’s leading driver for the last five years.
Fond Memories
2024 will forever be a landmark year for Ferrari and Leclerc. But he’s not the only world-class driver to make the Monaco Grand Prix a special affair. Michael Schumacher, considered one of the greatest drivers in F1 history, was also a success in Monaco—and he was also driving for Ferrari.
Between 1997 to 2001, Schumacher took home five first-place finishes at the Monaco Grand Prix for Ferrari. It was a golden era for the driver and the constructor—one that Leclerc seems hellbent on repeating. Given Schumacher was his godfather, that seems entirely on the cards.
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