Monaco GP

• Track features

  Tackling the Circuit de Monaco requires a great deal of confidence, as well as a good amount of pace in the slow-speed corners. Navigating the tight and twisting streets is certainly a smoother ride than in Senna’s day, but it still requires complete commitment and an ability to find the fine line between pushing the limits and exceeding them. The faster you go, the more it feels like the walls are closing in.

  As you may have already guessed, the narrow streets of Monaco and the barriers that surround the circuit make overtaking difficult, but the skill and bravery the drivers display when weaving through the 17-turn, 2.074-mile circuit help make up for the lack of passing. And trust us when we say, you won’t want to miss Qualifying.

  Portier, Nouvelle, and Rascasse are among the most iconic corners in the world, but they’re not the only notable turns in the principality. Unsurprisingly, the circuit features one of the slowest corners of the calendar – the Fairmont Hairpin, taken at 30 mph – but it also contains one of the quickest too. The flat-out corner in the tunnel is taken at roughly 160 mph, with the added complication that drivers switch from light to dark and back to light in a very short space of time.

  Like Imola, there is only one DRS Detection zone, active along the pit straight. Although overtaking isn’t the easiest, positions can be gained by capitalizing on mistakes and through clever strategy calls.

• What's it like in Monaco?

  Even with the addition of several high-profile races to the Formula 1 calendar, the Monaco Grand Prix remains the most glamorous event of the season. Located on the French Rivera, it’s the most luxurious of settings, with the Prince’s Palace, grand hotels and casinos, lavish yachts and spectacular natural beauty complimented by extravagant parties and celebrity appearances.

  As a fan, there are few better opportunities to get as up close and personal with a Formula 1 Grand Prix than in Monte Carlo. The circuit’s small size makes it accessible and walkable, especially in the evenings when the track opens itself back up. The final sector, which features a slew of bars and restaurants, is even closed to traffic, making it the ultimate night-time spot.

  If you’re fortunate enough to be attending in person, you’ll want to sample some traditional Monegasque cuisine. There’s plenty on offer, but among the most extravagant are Stuffed Zucchini flowers, Truffle and Foie Gras Torte, and a seafood-based stew called Bouillabaisse.

• F1 icebreaker

  Stuck for conversation with your F1-loving friends? Spark up a discussion with our F1 icebreaker…

  The total distance covered in the Monaco GP is 161.887 miles, which is actually below the FIA’s minimum race length of 190 miles. However, due to the history of the race, which first ran in 1929, an exception is made.