Najviše pobeda, ukupno šest, ima neprevaziđeni Ajrton Sena koji je slavio pet puta zaredom, od 1989. do 1993. godine
The most victories, a total of six, belong to the unparalleled Ayrton Senna, who won five times in a row from 1989 to 1993
MONACO GRAND PRIX Seductive race through Monte Carlo
Only seven racing circuits worldwide can boast of having hosted races in Formula 1’s first ever season, back in 1950. One of them is located on the Côte d’Azur, just a 30-minute drive from Nice airport, where your Air Serbia flight will land
T he Monaco Grand Prix is a story in its own right. Vic- tory on the narrow streets of Monte Carlo immortal- ises drivers, with the his- tory of Formula 1 inscribed on every metre of the track. Known for its dan- gerously sharp curves that demand perfect driving skills, a glamorous at- mosphere and exquisite scenery en- sure that this race is a prestigious event that’s loved by celebrities. This is the only track where the race can be watched live from living rooms, from the terrace of a centuries-old castle, from a casino or in swimming trunks from the mega expensive su- peryachts moored in the harbour. The spectators watching trackside are of- ten richer and more famous than the drivers themselves, and everything is somewhat reminiscent of the ancient games of the Colosseum. Despite the exclusive location, organis- ers strive to also secure spots for “ordi- nary fans”. Tickets can thus be bought
for 100-150 euros, though admitted- ly in small numbers, which is why it’s important to act immediately if you are interested in this ultimate race, be- cause this year’s Monaco Grand Prix takes place as early as 25 th May. The most expensive tickets cost up to 5,000 euros per day, but they’re usually sold- out months in advance or reserved for VIP guests. So, if you’re not Brad Pitt or Julia Roberts, forget about it! This race is the brainchild of the vision- ary Antony Noghès, a tobacco indus- try magnate and great friend of the rul- ing Grimaldi family. Interestingly, it was way back at the beginning of the year 1297 when Genoese pirate Franc- esco Grimaldi landed on the Rock of Monaco, declared himself a prince and began building the port of Monaco. It was seven centuries later that Mona- co finally gained its sovereignty and be- came one of the world’s smallest coun- tries. Returning to Formula 1, the first race was held in 1929, prior to the official
formation of the competition, but it was also included on the first race cal- endar for 1950, when the legendary Juan Manuel Fangio proved victori- ous. Despite the wealth surrounding it, the race wasn’t staged in 1951 due to a “lack of budget funds”. It returned in 1952, when Vittorio Marzotto celebrat- ed victory in a Ferrari, only to be can- celled again due to “unresolved rules governing Formula 1”. It has only been cancelled once since 1955 – during the coronavirus pandemic of 2020. Stories have circulated in recent years suggesting that Monte Carlo has had its day and that it’s time to relocate the race to a more modern circuit, with the cars having become too big to navigate the narrow streets of the Principality. However, you can’t put a price on tradi- tion, which is why the life of the Mon- te Carlo race has been extended until at least 2031. This gives you ample time to at least hear the squealing of tyres as they negotiate the sharp curves of this luxurious city.
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