Monaco Madness: How to Watch Formula 1's Most Prestigious Grand Prix Weekend
The eighth race of the 2024 Formula One season takes us back to Europe, more specifically, to the glamorous streets of Monte Carlo. It’s time for the Monaco Grand Prix, the crown jewel in the F1 calendar. Every driver dreams of standing atop the podium in this breathtaking locale, not just for the points but for the prestige associated with conquering this difficult circuit.
The Circuit and Its Challenges
Monaco is not just any race track. It’s a remarkably narrow 3.337km stretch with 19 corners per lap, famously compared to 'riding a bike in your living room' by legend Nelson Piquet. This circuit demands unparalleled precision from drivers, making qualifying sessions arguably as thrilling as the race itself. No one will forget the heart-stopping moments of Max Verstappen clinching victory in 2023, or the strategic genius displayed by Fernando Alonso, who finished second, and Esteban Ocon rounding out the podium in third.
Formula 1's Return to Europe
F1 fans, get ready for an electrifying weekend as the paddock returns to Europe. The historic streets of Monaco will welcome 20 drivers eager to etch their names in the annals of racing history. Current championship leader Max Verstappen aims to defend his title, having mastered the course last year. As each car jostles for position, expect to see intense battles, particularly during qualifying, where securing a top spot is crucial on these tight, unforgiving streets.
Weekend Schedule
The Monaco Grand Prix weekend kicks off from Friday, May 24, and extends till Sunday, May 26, at the iconic Circuit de Monaco. Here are the key timings:
- Friday, May 24 - Practice One: 12:30pm to 1:30pm | Practice Two: 4pm to 5pm
- Saturday, May 25 - Practice Three: 11:30am to 12:30pm | Qualifying: 3pm to 4pm
- Sunday, May 26 - Monaco Grand Prix: 2pm
All times are in BST. Don’t miss a single lap of action!
How to Watch
To fully immerse yourself in the Monaco GP, tune into Sky Sports F1. Coverage spans from the initial practice session on Friday to the grand finale on Sunday. For those on the move, Sky Go ensures you won’t miss a moment, offering mobile streaming directly to your device. If you can't catch it live, highlights will be uploaded to the official Formula One YouTube channel post-race.
Weather Watch
Monaco's weather can often throw curveballs, with torrential downpours and thunderstorms not uncommon. However, this weekend looks promising, with forecasts suggesting mostly dry conditions. There's only a 20% chance of rain on Friday and a mere 10% on Saturday. Sunday's race day is expected to be sunny, adding to the spectacle.
Current Standings
Heading into Monaco, the drivers' standings are as follows:
| Position | Driver | Nationality | Car | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Max Verstappen | NED | RED BULL RACING HONDA | 161 |
| 2 | Charles Leclerc | MON | FERRARI | 113 |
| 3 | Sergio Perez | MEX | RED BULL RACING HONDA | 107 |
| 4 | Lando Norris | GBR | MCLAREN | 101 |
| 5 | Carlos Sainz | ESP | FERRARI | 93 |
| 6 | Oscar Piastri | AUS | MCLAREN | 53 |
| 7 | George Russell | GBR | MERCEDES | 44 |
| 8 | Lewis Hamilton | GBR | MERCEDES | 35 |
| 9 | Fernando Alonso | SPA | ASTON MARTIN | 33 |
| 10 | Yuki Tsunoda | JPN | RB HONDA RBPT | 15 |
The battle for supremacy is heating up. Verstappen is leading the pack, but with competitors like Charles Leclerc and Sergio Perez not too far behind, Monaco promises a thrilling contest.
Stay tuned to Super Veloce for live updates, in-depth analysis, and all the drama from the Monaco Grand Prix – the most glamorous weekend in motorsport.