Monaco Grand Prix
Glitz, glamour and pinpoint accuracy. This iconic race defies conventional racing norms, emphasising precision, intricacy and skill. It’s a race that has kept motorsport fans captivated for nearly 100 years – a timeless showcase of driver courage and sharp team strategies.
Precision And Pace
Monte Carlo’s narrow streets require drivers to navigate sharp turns, hemmed in straights and unforgiving barriers. It is the original street circuit, drivers threading cars for 78 laps metronomically. The slightest error never goes unpunished, especially if it rains … which it often does. If there is one race that drivers want to win, the Monaco Grand Prix is it. But with few chances to overtake, Saturday’s qualifying session and Sunday’s race strategy become even more crucial.
Thriving at Monaco requires more than just technical expertise. Drivers must adapt to the track’s challenges. Mental resilience, quick decision-making and the ability to seize opportunities are paramount.
“It’s the circuit where the mind has to be more focused”
“I think the biggest thing in Monaco is the head. In a racing car if you are emotional and too aggressive, you usually make mistakes. It’s the circuit where the mind has to be more focused than with any other circuit. To win a Grand Prix here it’s different to winning any other Grand Prix in the world.”
– Sir Jackie Stewart OBE
Drivers always meticulously study the track – but maybe even more so at Monaco. Every corner, curb and elevation change is analysed. Simulators allow drivers to practice and familiarise themselves with the demanding circuit before they arrive. But once in the city state, each driver picks out visual cues – often braking points – along the circuit. Unlike most tracks, Monaco happens to be home for many drivers too – always an advantage.
Monaco Grand Prix Legend
Sir Jackie Stewart’s smooth, precise driving style always suited Monaco. It’s why he’s a three-time blue-riband winner. It is a challenging track but not as perilous as it once was. In 1967 Lorenzo Bandini lost control of his Ferrari while driving through the harbour chicane, dying from his injuries three days later. Lorenzo was just one of many drivers who perished during Sir Jackie’s racing years. The pain of losing competitors – many of them friends – fuelled Sir Jackie’s quest for safer motor racing. Stronger cars, tighter regulations, safer circuits and immediate access to excellent medical care. It did not make him popular at the time, but today racing is much safer and no less thrilling.
Sir Jackie never stopped campaigning. Today – with the same verve – he is intent on developing treatments and finding a cure for dementia. Race Against Dementia, the charity he founded in 2016, finds, funds and supports breakthrough dementia research talent around the world.
“fast-paced innovation and relentless improvement underpins my work today”
“Race Against Dementia has introduced me to a new mindset. Formula 1’s principles of collaboration, fast-paced innovation and relentless improvement underpins my work today as I develop better ways to treat multiple dementias.” ~ Dr Wioleta Zelek
Race Against Dementia provides rigorous Formula 1-inspired training and mentoring, designed specifically for the research scientists it supports.
Continue learning about Race Against Dementia-backed dementia research and be the first to hear our F1-related news – sign up here. You could also win your own podium bottle of champagne from official 2023 podium sponsor, Ferrari Trento. Signed by the Monaco Grand Prix’s top three drivers, you can bid here in support of Race Against Dementia.
