Monaco & the Grand Prix: A Deep Dive
Image – Pexels
If you’ve heard of Monaco, then a few things likely come to mind when someone brings up the micro-country. First, you might imagine a luxurious city-state nestled in the French Riviera between Spain and Italy. Second, you might picture streets full of extravagant personalities, from Grace Kelly to Princess Caroline. Third, you’d probably hear the thrum of Formula One engines and the sound of poker chips falling in the Monte Carlo Casino.
Today, the latter is on the mind of many travelers—and especially sports fans. In the past, Monaco was out of reach for many people hoping to catch a glimpse of the famous Monaco Grand Prix. However, the destination has become a bit more affordable over the last decade.
And many who come for the Grand Prix race stay for the major poker events, including the annual EPT Monaco event hosted every spring. Let’s cover why it’s a worthy stopover for those interested in F1 cars and world-class poker, starting with the area’s reputation for no-holds-barred glamor.
Intrigue in the French Riviera—and Poker
In July 1865—half a century before the first Monaco Grand Prix in 1929—the Casino di Monte Carlo opened its doors. And if you want to understand the dynamics underpinning the country, the casino is a great place to start.
Monaco has been associated with the finer things in life for well over a century. Back in the 1800s, few things were as extravagant as a gaming hall. The Casino di Monte Carlo was Europe’s premier destination for table games and, especially since the poker boom of the 1970s, variants like Texas Hold’em.
Above, we mentioned the EPT Monaco event. It’s a major stop on the European Poker Tour that began back in 2004. Hosted in the famous Casino di Monte Carlo, where celebrities regularly stop over to enjoy an evening out, the EPT event is one of the continent’s most prestigious thanks to its history.
Still, while the event regularly welcomes over a thousand competitors, the annual Grand Prix sees a total of 7,500 viewers pile into the streets—plus thousands more who watch from their high-rise balconies.
Image – Pexels
Formula One Fits Nicely
Monaco is known for its wealth. That’s part of the reason why its leaders launched the Casino di Monte Carlo in 1865—to provide a place for the rich and glamorous to enjoy themselves. Over one hundred years later, things are a bit more relaxed. But, like with the casino, the Grand Prix is a vestige of this luxury.
Many Americans are diving into Formula One racing for the first time. Compared to the local preference for NASCAR, F1 is next-level. While the racers rely on similar skills to succeed, F1 vehicles are notoriously pricey, while the driving series touches down in a new location for each of the 23 races per season. Las Vegas, Miami, and Texas are all now Grand Prix locations for those looking for a race a bit closer to home.
F1 got its start as a flashy sport with steep price tags. When Grand Prix racing took off in the 1920s and 30s, it wasn’t nearly as accessible as NASCAR racing. Even today, it’s a highly exclusive sport, since not many can afford to get into karting at a young age in order to advance up the leagues. Unsurprisingly, F1 suited Monaco incredibly well. By 1929, the first Grand Prix racers were speeding through Monaco’s tight and hard-to-navigate streets, looking for glory.
The Charles LeClerc Effect
Some of F1’s greatest drivers have attained fame and glory at the Monaco Grand Prix. Ayrton Senna is the all-time champ with six wins—but many more remember Michael Schumacher making his name in Monaco. More recently, all eyes are on local Charles LeClerc—godson of F1 legend Jules Bianchi.
In 2019, LeClerc signed with Ferrari. Though he’s yet to take home a win in Monaco with the Scuderia, he came incredibly close last year in 2022. If you’re interested in seeing LeClerc attempt to win on his home turf this year, then consider watching the May 28 event live. Unfortunately, it’s too late to acquire tickets.