We all know how cruel F1 racing can be to the participants. We've seen 'that movie' too many times. A driver is on the verge of victory (or at least a spot on the podium), and a reliability issue creeps in from nowhere to take the win away.
The latest victim is George Russell, whose engine unit had plans besides winning the race. Well, George and his fans can take solace in the fact that all that is in the past. The next race is in Monaco. That tiny Mediterranean country surrounded by intriguing French cities. Despite its detractors, the Monaco GP has remained one of the premier races on the F1 calendar. It's not going anywhere.
The Louis Vuitton Grand Prix de Monaco (did you catch the name change from last year?) is usually 'won' on Saturday (by whoever takes pole) as it’s practically impossible to overtake on the narrow streets of Monaco. But let’s be honest. The race around Monte Carlo and La Condamine has very little to do with motorsport. It’s all about glamour.
It is a time to have fun with your friends and business partners, watching the best race cars in the world from the comfort of a yacht, while sipping premium wine from Domaine de la Romanée-Conti. With the caliber of people around the paddock, it's a great time to get some business deals done.
Tickets
Everyone knows the way to watch the Monaco race is from a yacht, so you should consider the €8,190 VIP yacht race viewing ticket. Your money gets you yacht hospitality from Friday to Sunday, with trackside viewing, continental breakfast, gourmet lunch (and afternoon tea), open bar, tender transfers, and a live DJ (no kids below 15 years of age allowed).
Not much of a water person? The € 11,603 paddock club ticket may be a better option. This gives you paddock club access for all 3 days, along with all the goodies associated with this F1 offering. That includes F1 driver/ambassador talks, pit lane walk, circuit tour, and other perks.
Seeking the best in terms of being spoilt? That’ll be the €20,629 Gordden Ramsay at F1 La Terrace ticket. What do you get for your money? Pit lane viewing close to the garages, a Mediterranean rooftop garden with panoramic views, and first-class dining with Gordon Ramsay manning the kitchen (those beef Wellingtons are likely to be the most expensive you’ll ever have).
Similar to the Paddock Club ticket, you also get grid and pit lane walks, a guided tour of the Monaco Circuit, and the option to take photos from different vantage positions along the circuit.
Where to Stay (5-Star Options)
Now that the ticket is out of the way, where is the best place to stay? That answer is unequivocally Hotel de Paris Monte Carlo. But the problem is, if you don’t have your reservation by now, it’ll take a major miracle to get a room here. Anyone hoping to stay at Monaco’s top hotel for the Grand Prix must book months in advance and be prepared to pay a pretty significant premium. The hotel usually blocks out the Grand Prix days very early.
Other options include Hotel Hermitage Monte Carlo and Hotel Metropole. These may not hold the title of the best, but they are no pushovers either, and they're probably sold out, too. Larvoto's Le Méridien Beach Plaza isn't a bad choice for some seaside bliss. Here, Al Fresco dining at the famous Muse Restaurant awaits you.
If you don't mind staying in nearby Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, you won't regret choosing The Maybourne Riviera. You'll also be rewarded with some of the best views of Monaco from its hilltop location. One option we can't wholeheartedly recommend is the Fairmont hotel. Despite its iconic status as the site of F1's most famous hairpin, there are indications that it is in desperate need of a renovation.
How to Get There
What about getting to Moanco? If you’ve visited Monaco in the past, you know the nearest airport is in Nice. It’ll take about 45 minutes to get to Monaco from Nice, but traffic is often a factor, so you'll want to avoid that option. Instead, consider a 7-minute helicopter transfer to the Monaco helipad in Fontvieille. You can then easily arrange for transportation to your hotel.
This year, there’s a new entrant to the helicopter transport option. hoper, better known for island hopping in Greece, is debuting their Nice to Monaco service, giving Monacair and Heliair Monaco a run for their money.
Remember, the most exciting day of the race weekend is Saturday (during qualification). The Monaco Grand Prix isn’t about racing. It is a weekend filled with glamour, elegance, and 'refined' excess.
