Monaco Grand Prix 2024: Insider Secrets, Stats, and Can't-Miss Moments
As Formula 1 shifts gears from Imola to Monte Carlo, the anticipation for the 2024 Monaco Grand Prix is electrifying. This is your ultimate guide to all the must-know details for the upcoming race weekend, complete with crucial statistics, driver insights, strategy breakdowns, and trivia.
The Road to Monte Carlo
The 2024 Monaco Grand Prix promises an exhilarating lineup of events, starting with the first and second practice sessions on Friday, May 24, final practice and qualifying on Saturday, May 25, and culminating in the main race on Sunday, May 26. Fans are already buzzing with excitement, and F1 Play has been monitoring their votes to see who they think will dominate the track.
Key Stats for 2024
- First Grand Prix – 1950
- Track Length – 3.337km
- Lap record – 1m 12.909s, set by Lewis Hamilton in 2021
- Most Pole Positions – Ayrton Senna with 5
- Most Wins – Ayrton Senna with 6
- Trivia – Monaco was one of the seven original F1 World Championship venues in 1950
- Pole Run to Turn 1 Braking Point – 142 meters
- Overtakes in 2023 – 36
- Safety Car Probability – 57%
- Virtual Safety Car Probability – 43%
- Pit Stop Time Loss – 19.2 seconds
Driver Insights
Former Renault F1 driver Jolyon Palmer describes the Monaco circuit as a true test of a driver’s skill. “It feels like madness in an F1 car, even in comparison to other street circuits. It’s so narrow, the roads are cambered, it’s tight and twisty, and challenges await everywhere,” Palmer shares. His favorite part? Exiting Sainte Devote, plunging skyward towards Massenet and Casino. “You’ve got to hug the inside line at Massenet; otherwise, you risk skittling into the barriers on the outside,” he adds.
Recent Pole-Sitters
- 2023 – Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
- 2022 – Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
- 2021 – Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
- 2019 – Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
- 2018 – Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull)
Winning Drivers
- 2023 – Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
- 2022 – Sergio Perez (Red Bull)
- 2021 – Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
- 2019 – Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
- 2018 – Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull)
Strategic Insights
This year, Pirelli is bringing their softest three compounds – the C3, C4, and C5 – to Monaco’s smooth surface, aiming to provide maximum grip. The track’s low average speed and the fact that less than a third of the lap is spent at full throttle mean the tires will face minimal forces. However, the 78 laps will still stress the tires, particularly in traction zones. Expect a one-stop strategy to be the norm, with drivers hoping to capitalize on potential Safety Car periods. With overtaking as tough as it is, qualifying will be more crucial than ever.
Current Form
After his victory in Imola, Max Verstappen is the hot favorite, pulling nearly 90% of F1 Play votes for the pole position. Still, recent performances from Lando Norris and other drivers hint at a thrilling contest. Miami GP winner Lando Norris nearly clinched a consecutive win at Imola, and McLaren looks poised to challenge Red Bull again. Street tracks have historically posed difficulties for Red Bull, so McLaren and Ferrari might just have an edge.
Iconic Moments from Monaco
Monaco has been on the F1 calendar since 1950, providing countless iconic moments over the years. One of the most legendary stories involves Ayrton Senna and Nigel Mansell in 1992. Mansell, leading the race, was forced to pit, allowing Senna to take the lead. What followed was a masterclass in defensive driving as Senna held off Mansell to take the win. These are the moments that make Monaco the storied circuit it is today.
Don't Miss These
Keep track of the F1 Play predictor game to see how fans are voting. Max Verstappen is leading the pack, but Charles Leclerc, Lando Norris, and the McLarens are not far behind. The Grand Prix is set to be a nail-biting spectacle, and every twist and turn could mean a significant shift in the standings.