Monaco Grand Prix facts for kids
| Circuit de Monaco (2015–present) |
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| Race information | |
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| Number of times held | 82 |
| First held | 1929 |
| Most wins (drivers) |  Ayrton Senna (6) |
| Most wins (constructors) |  McLaren (16) |
| Circuit length | 3.337 km (2.074 mi) |
| Race length | 260.286 km (161.734 mi) |
| Laps | 78 |
| Last race (2025) | |
| Pole position | |
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| Podium | |
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| Fastest lap | |
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The Monaco Grand Prix (also known as Grand Prix de Monaco in French) is a super exciting Formula One car race. It happens every year in Monaco, usually in late May or early June. This race has been going on since 1929. Many people think it's one of the most important car races in the world.
It's even part of something called the Triple Crown of Motorsport. This "Triple Crown" includes the Indianapolis 500 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The Monaco Grand Prix is special because it's the only Formula One race that doesn't have to be at least 305 kilometers long.
The race takes place on a tight track built right on the streets of Monaco. It has lots of ups and downs, sharp turns, and even a tunnel! This makes it one of the toughest tracks for Formula One drivers. Even though cars don't go super fast here, it's still a dangerous race. The track is very narrow, and a safety car often has to come out to help.
Contents
History of the Monaco Grand Prix
How the Race Started
The Monaco Grand Prix began a long time ago, even before the modern World Championship. In 1929, a man named Antony Noghès helped organize the first race. He did this with the support of Prince Louis II and the Automobile Club de Monaco (ACM).
The ACM wanted to be a full national car club. But the international group said no because Monaco didn't have a big car race entirely within its borders. Their famous Monte Carlo Rally used roads in other countries.
So, Antony Noghès suggested creating a Grand Prix race right on the streets of Monte Carlo. Prince Louis II agreed, and famous Monégasque driver Louis Chiron also supported the idea. Chiron believed Monaco's streets were perfect for a race track.
First Race and Early Winners
The very first race was held on April 14, 1929. It was won by William Grover-Williams in a Bugatti. Not all the top drivers were invited, but many famous ones came. Rudolf Caracciola finished second in his Mercedes-Benz SSK.
Louis Chiron won the race in 1931. He was the only driver from Monaco to win the event for a very long time. That changed in 2024!
Before World War II
The Monaco Grand Prix quickly became very important. In 1933, it was named one of the top "International Grands Prix." That year's race was also the first where starting positions were decided by how fast drivers practiced, not by drawing names.
The race became part of the new European Championship in 1936. Rudolf Caracciola, known as "Rainmaster," won that year in stormy weather. The last race before World War II was in 1937. Then, racing stopped in Europe until 1945.
After the War: Return to Racing
After World War II ended, car racing slowly started again. The Monaco Grand Prix didn't happen between 1945 and 1947 because of money problems. In 1948, the race returned, and Nino Farina won in a Maserati.
The 1949 race was canceled because Prince Louis II passed away.
Monaco Grand Prix in Formula One
Starting the Championship Era
The Monaco Grand Prix became part of the new Formula One World Championship in 1950. Juan Manuel Fangio, who would become a five-time world champion, got his first win here. The 51-year-old Louis Chiron also finished third, which was his best result in the new championship.
The race didn't happen in 1951, 1953, or 1954. It came back in 1955 and has been held every year since then! In 1955, Maurice Trintignant won, and Louis Chiron, at 56, became the oldest driver to race in a Formula One Grand Prix.
Graham Hill: "Mr. Monaco"
A British driver named Graham Hill won the Monaco Grand Prix five times in the 1960s. People started calling him "King of Monaco" and "Mr. Monaco." He won in 1963, 1964, and 1965. In the 1965 race, his teammate's car even ended up in the harbor! Hill won again in 1968 and 1969. His 1969 win was his last Formula One victory.
Changes to the Track and Safety
In the 1970s, safety became a big concern in Formula One. For the 1969 race, special safety barriers called Armco barriers were put up for the first time. Before this, if a driver went off the track, they could hit buildings, trees, or even fall into the harbor!
The track was changed in 1972. The pit area (where cars stop for tires and fuel) was moved. In 1973, a new double chicane (a series of tight turns) was added around a new swimming pool area. This part of the track is still known as "Swimming Pool" today. More changes were made in 1976 to make the Sainte Devote corner slower.
Because the Monaco track is so narrow and challenging, it often leads to surprising results. In the 1982 race, several leaders had problems. Riccardo Patrese spun out but managed to restart his car and win! It was his first Grand Prix victory.
The Era of Prost and Senna
From 1984 to 1993, only two drivers won the Monaco Grand Prix: Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna. Many people consider them two of the best drivers ever.
Prost won his first Monaco race in 1984. The race was stopped early because of heavy rain. Drivers only got half points because the race didn't go the full distance. Prost won again in 1985 and 1986.
Ayrton Senna holds the record for the most wins in Monaco, with six victories! He won five times in a row from 1989 to 1993. His 1987 win was special because it was the first time a car with "active suspension" won a Grand Prix.
In 1988, Senna was leading by a lot but crashed near the end of the race. He was so upset that he went straight back to his apartment and didn't talk to anyone until later that night! Prost went on to win that race.
Senna continued his winning streak from 1989 to 1991. In 1992, Nigel Mansell was dominating the season and the race. But with only seven laps left, he had a problem with a wheel nut and had to pit. Senna, on older tires, managed to hold off Mansell, who was on fresh tires and much faster. Senna won by just two-tenths of a second! This was his fifth win, tying Graham Hill's record.
In 1993, Senna broke Hill's record, winning his sixth Monaco Grand Prix. He had a tough start to the weekend, but problems for other drivers helped him win.
1990s: Tough Times and Big Wins
The 1994 race was very sad. It happened shortly after two drivers, Roland Ratzenberger and Ayrton Senna, died in crashes at another race. During the Monaco event, Karl Wendlinger had a serious accident in the tunnel.
Michael Schumacher won the Monaco Grand Prix in 1994 and 1995. The 1996 race was wild! Schumacher crashed on the first lap. Other leaders also had problems. In the end, Olivier Panis, who started way back in 14th place, won the race. It was his only win in Formula One! Only three cars actually finished the race.
21st Century Highlights
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In 2004, the pit area was made bigger with new temporary garages. A large grandstand was also built in the Swimming Pool area for fans.
Michael Schumacher eventually won the race five times, matching Graham Hill's record. In 2006, Schumacher caused a stir when he stopped his car on the track during qualifying. This blocked other drivers and made them slow down. He said it was an accident, but the racing officials disagreed and sent him to the back of the starting grid.
In 2020, the Monaco Grand Prix was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was the first time the race hadn't been held since 1954. The race returned in 2021.
In 2024, Charles Leclerc became the second driver from Monaco to win the race, after Louis Chiron in 1931. It was a historic moment for his home country!
Starting in 2026, the race will be held on the first weekend of June. This means it won't happen at the same time as the Indianapolis 500 anymore.
The Monaco Circuit
The Grand Prix takes place on the Circuit de Monaco. This track goes through the narrow city streets of Monte Carlo and La Condamine, right next to Monaco's harbor. It's been used for the Grand Prix every time since 1929.
The circuit has many changes in height, very tight corners, and is super narrow. Drivers need to be incredibly precise. They often touch the track walls to go as fast as possible! In 1929, a magazine said the track should have "Danger" signs everywhere.
As of 2022, only two drivers have crashed and ended up in the harbor. The most famous was Alberto Ascari in 1955. Even though the track has had small changes over the years, it's mostly the same as it was in 1929. It's still seen as the ultimate test of a driver's skill and mental strength.
If the Monaco Grand Prix didn't already exist, it probably wouldn't be allowed to host a Formula One race today. This is because the track is short, and there are safety concerns. It's also very hard to overtake other cars. But because it's such a famous and old race, it gets special permission.
Famous Formula One champion Nelson Piquet once said racing at Monaco was "like riding a bicycle around your living room." This shows how tight and challenging the streets are. He also said that "a win here was worth two anywhere else."
The track also has a tunnel. Drivers have to adjust their eyes quickly when they go from bright daylight into the dark tunnel, and then back into the light as they brake for a sharp turn.
Where to Watch the Race
During the Grand Prix weekend, lots of people gather around the Monaco Circuit. Temporary grandstands are built, especially around the harbor. Many rich and famous people watch the race from their yachts in the harbor.
Balconies on buildings around Monaco also become great viewing spots. Many hotels and residents make money by letting people watch the race from their high-up views.
How the Race is Organized
The Monaco Grand Prix is organized by the Automobile Club de Monaco. This club also runs the famous Monte Carlo Rally.
The Monaco Grand Prix is different from other races in a few ways. For many years, practice sessions were held on Thursday instead of Friday. This allowed the streets to be opened back up to the public on Friday. However, since 2022, practice sessions are now on Friday, just like other Formula One races.
Building the circuit takes six weeks, and taking it down after the race takes three weeks. Until 2017, there wasn't a proper podium (a raised platform for the winners) at the race. Instead, the top three drivers would leave their cars and walk to the royal box for the trophy ceremony. This was a special tradition for the Monaco race.
Why Monaco is Famous
The Monaco Grand Prix is known as one of the most important and glamorous car races in the world. It's part of the "Triple Crown of Motorsport" along with the Indianapolis 500 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. As of 2025, Graham Hill is the only driver to have won all three of these major races.
It's hard for a driver to compete in both the Monaco Grand Prix and the Indianapolis 500 because they happen at the same time and are in different championships. Only Juan Pablo Montoya and Fernando Alonso have won two of the three "Triple Crown" events.
Monaco is a beautiful place with a warm climate and a famous casino. It's also a place where many rich people live, including several Formula One drivers. This is because Monaco has special tax rules.
Many current and past Formula One drivers own homes in Monaco. Because the country is so small and the track is in the city, drivers whose races end early can often get back to their apartments in just a few minutes. For example, Ayrton Senna famously went back to his apartment after crashing out of the lead in the 1988 race. In 2006, Kimi Räikkönen went to his yacht in the harbor after his car broke down.
The Grand Prix attracts many famous people every year. They come to enjoy the excitement and glamour of the event. Big parties are held in nightclubs, and the harbor is full of people celebrating.
Winners of the Monaco Grand Prix
Drivers with Multiple Wins
Drivers in bold are racing in Formula One this season.
| Wins | Driver | Years won |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | Ayrton Senna |
1987, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993 |
| 5 | Graham Hill |
1963, 1964, 1965, 1968, 1969 |
 Michael Schumacher |
1994, 1995, 1997, 1999, 2001 | |
| 4 |  Alain Prost |
1984, 1985, 1986, 1988 |
| 3 | Stirling Moss |
1956, 1960, 1961 |
| Jackie Stewart |
1966, 1971, 1973 | |
| Nico Rosberg |
2013, 2014, 2015 | |
| Lewis Hamilton |
2008, 2016, 2019 | |
| 2 |  Juan Manuel Fangio |
1950, 1957 |
 Maurice Trintignant |
1955, 1958 | |
 Niki Lauda |
1975, 1976 | |
 Jody Scheckter |
1977, 1979 | |
| David Coulthard |
2000, 2002 | |
 Fernando Alonso |
2006, 2007 | |
 Mark Webber |
2010, 2012 | |
| Sebastian Vettel |
2011, 2017 | |
 Max Verstappen |
2021, 2023 |
Winning Car Brands (Constructors)
Teams in bold are racing in Formula One this season. A pink background means the race was not part of the Formula One World Championship. A yellow background means the race was part of the pre-World War II European Championship.
| Wins | Constructor | Years won |
|---|---|---|
| 16 | McLaren |
1984, 1985, 1986, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2025 |
| 11 |  Ferrari |
1952, 1955, 1975, 1976, 1979, 1981, 1997, 1999, 2001, 2017, 2024 |
| 8 | Mercedes |
1935, 1936, 1937, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2019 |
| 7 | Lotus |
1960, 1961, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1974, 1987 |
| Red Bull |
2010, 2011, 2012, 2018, 2021, 2022, 2023 | |
| 5 | BRM |
1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1972 |
| 4 | Bugatti |
1929, 1930, 1931, 1933 |
| 3 | Alfa Romeo |
1932, 1934, 1950 |
| Maserati |
1948, 1956, 1957 | |
| Cooper |
1958, 1959, 1962 | |
| Tyrrell |
1971, 1973, 1978 | |
| Williams |
1980, 1983, 2003 | |
| 2 | Brabham |
1967, 1982 |
| Benetton |
1994, 1995 | |
| Renault |
2004, 2006 |
Winning Engine Makers
Manufacturers in bold are racing in Formula One this season. A pink background means the race was not part of the Formula One World Championship. A yellow background means the race was part of the pre-World War II European Championship.
| Wins | Manufacturer | Years won |
|---|---|---|
| 16 | Mercedes * |
1935, 1936, 1937, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2025 |
| 13 |  Ford ** |
1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1973, 1974, 1977, 1978, 1980, 1982, 1983, 1993, 1994 |
| 11 | Ferrari |
1952, 1955, 1975, 1976, 1979, 1981, 1997, 1999, 2001, 2017, 2024 |
| 7 |  Honda |
1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 2021 |
| 6 | Renault |
1995, 2004, 2006, 2010, 2011, 2012 |
| 5 | Climax |
1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962 |
| BRM |
1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1972 | |
| 4 | Bugatti |
1929, 1930, 1931, 1933 |
| 3 | Alfa Romeo |
1932, 1934, 1950 |
| Maserati |
1948, 1956, 1957 | |
 TAG *** |
1984, 1985, 1986 |
* Between 1998 and 2005 built by Ilmor, funded by Mercedes
** Built by Cosworth, funded by Ford
*** Built by Porsche
Winners by Year
A pink background means the race was not part of the Formula One World Championship. A yellow background means the race was part of the pre-World War II European Championship.
Images for kids
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William Grover-Williams driving a Bugatti Type 35B at the 1929 Monaco Grand Prix
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Maserati Tipo 26B at the 1929 Grand Prix
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1929 Monaco Grand Prix
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Start of the 1931 Grand Prix
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1935 Grand Prix
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The 1936 Monaco Grand Prix
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1948 Grand Prix
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Monaco circuit from 1955 to 1972
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Nouvelle Chicane in the 2017 race
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2016 Monaco Grand Prix race
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2022 F1 course at Monaco
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Monaco's famous Fairmont Hairpin turn, both a city street and part of its Grand Prix circuit
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The podium was installed in 2017
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Previously, the ceremony was held in the Royal Box. 2015 Ceremony pictured
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Previous Circuit Layouts
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1929–1954
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1955–1972
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1973–1975
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1976–1985
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1986–1996
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1997–2002
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2003–2014
See also
In Spanish: Gran Premio de Mónaco para niños
- Triple Crown
