It’s one of the most revered motorsport events, and certainly the most iconic race on the F1 calendar. The Monaco Grand Prix has been held almost every year since 1929, snaking its way around the billionaires’ playground that is Monte Carlo. Despite its stature, the race itself has often been criticized for being something of a procession, with limited opportunities to overtake, and the real contest coming during Saturday’s qualifying. Nevertheless, the tight, twisting circuit is a unique test for the drivers, as concentration is paramount, and we’ve seen many nail-biting spectacles and high drama over the years. 

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As well as racing, Monaco is synonymous with gambling, playing host to the legendary Monte Carlo Casino, which attracts millions of visitors each year to the principality from all over the globe. 

A Gambler’s Paradise

Probably the best known corner on the Monaco circuit is Casino Square, named — you guessed it — for the grand Monte Carlo Casino that has stood on the site since the 1860s. Gambling has been an important part of Monégasque culture and the primary source of income for the House of Grimaldi for many years, and the glamorous locale and opulent surroundings definitely lend the games an air of mystique. 

Such is the appeal of destinations like Monaco that within the booming online casino trade you’ll find trusted operators such as Fitzdares and Dream Palace, who use live-dealer card games and roulette to replicate the kind of experience you’d expect in Monte Carlo.  

Driving the F1 Circuit

Despite playing host to the world’s fastest cars, you can actually drive round the Monaco circuit while it’s being built, and even at certain times across the race weekend (obviously they wait until the on-track action wraps up for the day). Fans of Formula One will find it surreal to cruise past landmarks and round corners that they see on TV once a year, and it’s surprising just how much the elevation of the track changes. 

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As you thunder through the tunnel or wriggle round the Grand Hotel hairpin, you can begin to appreciate just what a unique challenge the course poses for the drivers. And petrolheads are spoiled for eye-candy, as Monaco is one of the world’s supercar capitals — after a day or two you won’t look twice at a Ferrari. 

The Grand Prix

Gambling and high-living aside, the end of May is when the world really focuses on Monaco. That’s Grand Prix weekend, and fleets of yachts cram into the harbor to get a good view of the action. The track is narrow, and F1 cars are wider than ever, so qualifying is all important. 

Spectators often hope for a spot of rain during the race, as things get a bit less predictable.

Wet or dry, we’ve seen classic action over the years, from Ayrton Senna crashing out of the lead in 1988 at Portier to Olivier Panis picking up his only F1 win in 1996 (only three cars passed the finish line that year). 

Speed demons and high-rollers flock to the Principality of Monaco each year, whether it’s to soak in the Grand Prix atmosphere or to savor the off-track attractions in the Monte Carlo Casino. Gambling and racing are inherent parts of the city-state’s identity, and a major boon for its economy as well. 

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