Your Guide to Monaco F1 Grand Prix 2019

The 77th Grand Prix 2019 is only a few days away and car racing enthusiasts all over the world  are gearing up for the big event. As one of the biggest highlights of the racing calendar, Monaco F1 Grand Prix is usually regarded as the glitz and glamour of racing with celebrities and royals attending and watching the event from the most exclusive balconies and yachts.

A mythical race with the slowest and most difficult of all circuits, Monaco F1 is the pilot’s dream to win on the circuit of principality. Winning in Monaco is extremely challenging that’s why a good qualifying position becomes even more important.

Coming to Monaco is truly a world-class experience that must be anticipated and prepared in advance. So to give you a sneak peak of what’s about to happen, here is your guide to being Trackside at Monaco F1 2019:

Monaco F1 Tip #1: The Drivers

There are notable big changes in this year’s Grand Prix - Ferrari protégé Charles Leclerc partnering with Sebastian Vettel, Daniel Ricardo beginning a journey with Renault, Pierre Gasly taking over his Red Bull seat, Lance Stroll swapping Williams for Racing Point and Carlos Sainz changing seat from Renault to McLaren. Two drivers are making their comeback – Robert Kubica and Daniil Kvyat, plus three rookies are entering the top 20, Lando Norris, Alexander Albon and George Russell. And lastly, our former champion Kimi Raikkonen heading in the opposite direction with Alfa Romeo.

Monaco F1 Tip #2: The Circuit

Track Length:            3.337 kms or the equivalent to 19 round

Race Distance:          78 laps or 260.286kms

Measuring just 3.3km, the Circuit de Monaco was famously described as like ‘riding bicycle around the living room’ by Nelson Piquet. To succeed in this iconic racing circuit, drivers need to have precise driving, technical excellence and sheer bravery.

One cannot afford to make an error at this Armco barrier-lined track. Unlike any other F1 venue, Circuit de Monaco requires more level of concentration. Overtaking is extremely challenging and almost close to impossible so qualifying is more critical than ever. To make it even more challenging, the circuit features several changes in elevation, tunnel and extremely tight corners.

The Portier Corner at Turn 8 is the key to achieve a good lap time in Monaco. Drivers can slow down to just 30mph where the tunnel comes after. Among the legendary drivers who have ended their races here are the famous duo Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher.

Monaco F1 Tip #3: Who Could Take Home The Trophy?

Here are some of the potential candidates predicted to win the race:

Lewis Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton is still a favourite to win despite losing to Nico Rosberg in the 2016 F1 Championship. He readies himself to get go for goal at this year’s Monaco GP as winning will set the tone for the next lineup of races to conquer.

Daniel Riccardo

Since his racing debut in 2011, this Australian driver has shown incredible progress in the world of F1 racing. Initially, he struggled to make an impact in the Monaco race, but he has steadily improved at this track.

Sebastian Vettel

Vettel has had four world championship under his belt but had not won the world title in 6 years straight. He has seen one victory at the Monaco F1 in 2011. This year will see Vettel and Ferrari come back stronger for his third race at the Monaco circuit.

The Best Spot to Watch The Race

If you’re planning on seeing the race live and in person, you’ve got to secure yourself a good seat. Here’s a guide to our top 3 spots to watch all the action unfold from:

The Casino Square

Casino square is a popular place to watch the race. Situated opposite the world-famous Monte Carlo Casino, drivers sweep past the casino front then makes a right-hand turn at speeds of around 125 km/h. It is overlooked by Tribune B, a medium sized grandstand at one of the most exciting parts of the circuit. Aside from the stunning view of the casino, spectators can also watch the action through a TV screen.

The Tabac

Tabac corner is a 155km/h left-hand turn into the first ‘S’ of the Piscine. It is directly overlooked by the biggest tribune at the Monaco GP – the Tribune K. Spectators can enjoy a full view of the majestic Monaco harbour and watch the race at the same time.

The Piscine

Located at the center of the Monaco harbour, The Piscine swimming pool complex has two chicanes – a fast one on the entrance and a slower one on the exit. The Piscine is overlooked by Tribunes L, M, N, O, P and this is where most spectators watch the race from.

Truly, the 77th Monaco F1 Race is an icon in itself. It will soon take place at Monte Carlo City Circuit on May 23-26 2019 so be sure to catch on the latest news and updates on Motor Matcher.