What Makes Monaco So Special?

Tue Jun 08, 2021 6:33 pm

This week, we head to the Principality to take part in the Monaco Grand Prix, a race like no other on the calendar. Winning in Monaco is a piece of history that can never be rewritten. A win around the streets of Monte Carlo is one of the greatest motorsport achievements. In modern times, the main event often comes on a Saturday qualifying session, but there is and always will be a sense of nostalgia between Formula One and Monaco and even hope that the race throws up something unmissable. What is it that makes Monaco such a special place?

Situated upon the French Riviera close to the Italian region of Liguria, it is no wonder why is it such a stunning place. A place embedded with wealthy citizens, celebrities and filthy rich businessman, it is the centre of the earth for glitz and glamour. From Phillip Green’s $150 million yacht, to the streets fine dining with choices of food such as Barbajuan, Fougasse and Bouillabaisse. In my opinion, this small corner of the earth oozes class in comparison to the Influencer capital of the UAE and is known as one of the world wealthiest. A Typical apartment rental is 706% higher than the United Kingdom, yes you read that correct and even simple things like a small bottle of water will set you back 5€. I suppose it isn’t dubbed ‘Billionaires Playground’ for nothing, right?

Despite the modern day glamour, it wouldn’t be what it is without the rich past and architectural work that has taken place over the years. From the medieval times, through the Renaissance period of the 1600s and onto the Belle Époque era known for creating the Monte Carlo Casino, there’s plenty to go back on. Despite opening 158 years ago, the Casino went through extensions and structural change in the late 1870s and early 1880s to become what it is today. I guess the funniest thing that can be said about this casino is that residents are forbidden from gambling by law. The Casino is situated at the top of hill between turns 3 and 4 and is Monte Carlo’s most famous building.

Monaco itself has been a Principality since 1911, following the Monegasque Revolution in 1910. In July 1918, a Franco-Monegasque treaty was signed in short to align it with French political, military and economic interests. In 1943 it was invaded by the Italian army and that causes a mass exodus of the Jewish community and from 1949 to 2005 it was ruled by Rainier III until he relinquished power to its current ruler Albert II of the Grimaldi family. They have limited ruling over the country nowadays as they joined the UN in 1993 ensuring it is protected by International laws.

Monaco continues to thrive and is the second smallest Country after the Vatican City. It’s mind blowing to think that an area smaller than Central Park in New York could have so much going on. With deep rooted history and modern day celebrity appeal, it is no surprise that’s it’s so closely aligned with Formula One; underpinning all of that is their shared levels of ostentation

Monaco remains part of motorsports most prestigious triple crown along with the Le Mans 24 hour and the Indy500. Even after all these years, Graham Hill remains the only person to win all three showcasing how difficult it actually is. Juan Pablo Montoya and Fernando Alonso are the active drivers who have won two, but they haven’t quite managed to hook up the third. Do you think it will ever be repeated?

Monte Carlo was part of the original Formula One World Championship in 1950. No driver has ever won the race more times than Ayrton Senna (6), with Hill just behind on 5 along with Michael Schumacher. McLaren as a team have won it 15 times on these streets, last winning in 2008 with Lewis Hamilton. Juan Manuel Fangio won his first ever race at this circuit too before he dominated his era and most recently Max Verstappen won his first race at this specific circuit and in doing so achieved it with the greatest average speed of 157.833kph. If you compare that back to 1950, the average speed was just 98.7kph, suggesting cars are outgrowing the circuit.

So to answer the question we started with; what makes Monaco such a special place? History. Nostalgia. No Tax (If your Sir Phillip Green) and Charles Leclerc (If your Aydan).