Editor’s Note: This article on the Monaco Formula 1 race is posted in collaboration with an outside sponsorship client. The opinions and information contained within do not necessarily represent Frontstretch and its staff.
One of the greatest race events on the Formula 1 world circuit is the Monaco Grand Prix. It is also one of the three ‘Triple Crown of Motorsports’ international events, paired with both the 24 Hours of Le Mans and Indianapolis 500. As such, a race day out at the Monaco F1 Grand Prix is one you won’t forget in a hurry, especially if you are a petrol head.
Just to get you thinking about a visit to the next Monaco F1 event, we take a closer look at what the race weekend is like amongst the crowds, the roaring engines, luscious seaside landscape and post-race entertainment at the award-winning Casino De Monte-Carlo.
1. Where to stay and still catch the Monaco F1 race action
Monaco is situated on the spectacular French Riviera, which is well known for its plush beaches, myriad of viewpoints looking out onto the Mediterranean Sea, stunning architecture, and most of all for being one of the most expensive places to live in the world.
However, you need to make sure that you get your accommodations close enough to the racing action. There are plenty of hotels in Monaco if you are willing to spend enough money. However, if you are on a budget, there’s more affordable accommodation up and down the coastline.
By staying outside of Monaco, all you will be doing is giving up a small portion of your time traveling to the Grand Prix on race day. Beautiful cities all sit close by: Nice is just 20 kilometers away, Menton 10 kilometers, and Ventimiglia 25 kilometers. If you stay outside of Monaco, then prepare to catch a train to get into the city as driving is not recommended because the roads are hectic on race day.
2. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Monaco, and the entire region for that matter, has an amazing blend of French and Italian cuisine with some Turkish and Greek influence noticeable in some restaurants. You will nearly always find menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so eating out at any time of the day is easy. If you just want coffee and a snack, you walk in almost any direction and run into a café, bakery, or hot/burger/pizza street side stall (as it’s race day, after all). And if you like seafood, then eat your heart out because you will be dining next to the Mediterranean Sea!
3. Trackside Viewing – Catching the F1 Action
The main race day is on Day 4 of the Monaco F1 Grand Prix race. Viewers from around the world are treated to Monaco’s stunning scenery as the TV cameras follow the action; most of them are thinking how lucky the crowds are to be there up close and personal following the action trackside. Well, that could be you. Now, remember this race is a little different to other F1 tracks because it runs on the actual streets of the city. Roads coming into the grandstands where you will be sitting will be closed so make sure you plan ahead when getting to the track.
You will need to find your way to 1 of 10 designated entry gates, which will give you access to the ‘Grandstands’ where you will have a trackside view of the race. To get here, you will need to go to Rue Louis Notari which is off Avenue Deo Port. On the day of the race, it will not be hard to find, and directions are easy to ask for. You can get to the ‘Grandstands’ via bus and even by Buteau Bus, which is the boat bus.
4. Post-Race Monte Carlo Casino
F1 racing is one of Monte Carlo’s most popular and glamorous events. A trip to Monaco is not complete without a trip to the Monte Carlo Casino, which the locals call Casino De Monte-Carlo. It is one of the most prestigious casinos in the world and one even James Bond himself has visited. This upper class establishment also won the Global Gaming Awards two years consecutively (2019 and 2020) for being the land-based ‘Casino of the Year.’
If you plan on visiting, you might want to brush up on a few casino how to win articles. You can learn how to win playing different types of slots at the Casino De Monte-Carlo (including jackpot slots), which roulette tables to play (go for the single-zero tables) and learn how to beat the odds at blackjack.
Does a Race Day at the Monaco F1 Grand Prix Sound Like It’s For You?
It is hard not to add the Monaco F1 Grand Prix to your bucket list. Not only will you get to see one of the world’s ‘Triple Crown of Motorsport’ events, but you also get to make a holiday out of it as you will be visiting one of the picturesque regions of south France and Europe. During the main race event weekend, you can soak up the early summer sun, book water sports in the Mediterranean Sea, or eat to your heart’s content at the many classy restaurants. You also get to tick off arguably one of the world’s most prestigious casinos from your bucket list, too: the Casino De Monte-Carlo.
The Frontstretch Staff is made up of a group of talented men and women spread out all over the United States and Canada. Residing in 15 states throughout the country, plus Ontario, and widely ranging in age, the staff showcases a wide variety of diverse opinions that will keep you coming back for more week in and week out.