In the world of Formula 1 racing, there’s simply nothing like the Monaco Grand Prix.
Ever since its first race in 1929, the Monaco Grand Prix has been a highlight of the motorsport season. And since 1950, it has been part of the Formula One World Championship.
It’s easy to see why. Cars race through the narrow streets of the principality. The rich and famous attend each year.
The Monaco GP is a sight to behold! The world’s fastest racing cars travel through the streets of Monaco with no margin for error, racing at speeds of more than 100 mph. Hearts and imagination of traditional F1 fans belong to Monaco!
There have been many great races, including those that featured the late great Ayrton Senna. Senna holds the record for most wins at Monaco (6). And more than any of his rivals, he seemed able to carry more speed around the circuit and dare to go closer to the barriers.
But two famous races featuring Senna didn’t result in a victory.
First, there was 1984. Senna was driving for the small Tollman team. As rain lashed down and several other cars retired because of the conditions, Senna relished the challenge, majestically driving his way into 2nd place as he chased down race leader Alain Prost. Prost, struggling to cope with the conditions, appealed to authorities to stop the race.
Senna passed Prost into the lead, but by that time the authorities had already heeded Prost’s plea. Prost was declared the winner, not Senna. But the real winner that day was the fans. A career-defining rivalry had begun!
Four years later, in 1988, Prost and Senna were now teammates at McLaren–but mates may not be the right term. By then, Senna (not Prost) was established as Monaco’s ‘Prince of the Principality.’ And he seemed intent on not only winning but embarrassing his rival.
It didn’t turn out that way in 1988. Senna raced hard–too hard–running at breakneck speeds. He didn’t slow down even when warned by his crew. Not heeding the advice, Senna crashed. Prost won. And so upset was Senna that he didn’t participate in the post-race briefing. He went straight to his apartment and wasn’t seen for days.
In 1992, Senna did battle with another driver, Nigel Mansell. Senna came into the race on a high. He was the three-time and current reigning World Champ. But Mansell and his Williams-Renault car were pushing him. Mansell had won all five previous races run in 1992, and he was now looking for his first-ever Monaco victory.
It started as though he’d do just that. Mansell was leading the race until a late puncture and pit stop dropped him into second behind. Senna. Quickly recovering, Mansell caught up to Senna’s McLaren. It would be an epic duel to the finish.
Mansell tried everything possible, throwing all the might of his superior Williams car at Senna. But Senna drove to perfection, positioning his car exactly where he needed to be. Mansell’s winning streak had ended, and Senna claimed yet another Monaco victory.
As a child, I marveled at the duel between those superstars of the sport. Even as a patriotic Brit, I was an Ayrton Senna fan. From my earliest viewing of F1, he stood out as a great racing driver with ability, spirit, and a determination to win at all costs.
There is no doubt about it: Senna was then–and still is today–my F1 hero! Many of his great victories will remain in my memory forever–as sadly will that fateful day of 1st May 1994 at Imola.
In recent years, many people have said that the Monaco Grand Prix has lost its appeal. The development of the modern F1 car means that overtaking in Monaco has become nearly impossible–even when a car has a significant pace advantage. Many recent races in Monaco have stagnated after the one-and-only round of pit stops–unless something unexpected happens, like a crash.
I have to admit to having those thoughts myself, and that’s why I hope upcoming changes promised by F1 will rekindle that ‘Monaco Magic.’
Make no mistake about it: Monaco is special. It has history, glamour, and all the extras that go with a Monaco Grand Prix weekend.
I’ll miss watching Monaco Grand Prix 2020, but I have no doubt whatsoever that it will return as strong as ever next year.
