Long before the FIA Formula One World Championship kicks off in March every year, fans of motor sport and glamour start thinking about where to watch the Monaco Grand Prix. The event, which dates back to 1929, is one of the most prestigious automobile races in the world and attracts the world’s glitterati, eager to be part of the festivities.
Where to watch the Monaco Grand Prix? From your balcony, of course!
Practice sessions start on the Thursday before the Formula One Grand Prix on Sunday. While thousands of people watch the event from the temporary grandstands along the course, many others hope to watch it from the balcony of a neighbouring apartment. Monaco Grand Prix fans who think they can be among the spectators sipping champagne on balconies along the route will be disappointed to learn that it’s not possible to rent property just for Grand Prix day. To watch the start and finish of the race from the balcony of a Monaco apartment, you will need to buy or rent in La Condamine, the district next to the yacht-filled Port Hercules.
Up on Le Rocher, Monaco’s old town, residents can access viewing spots over the track free of charge. The official tickets for Le Rocher cost 104 euros for Grand Prix day, making it a less expensive alternative to the grandstands. But it’s vital to arrive long before the race to be sure you can actually see anything. Those who are lucky enough to live in apartments on the side of Le Rocher overlooking Port Hercules can be seen enjoying the action with friends on their balconies.
Triple Formula One champion Nelson Piquet said a win in Monaco was worth two anywhere else. The demanding circuit, which runs from the Condamine to Monte Carlo and back, comprises tight corners and many elevation changes. The hairpin bend next to The Fairmont Monte Carlo, is one of the most challenging parts of the course for drivers and the hotel is an obvious place from where to watch the Monaco Grand Prix. People lucky enough to rent or own property in this area of Monte Carlo find themselves extremely popular in the run-up to the event.
Other ways to watch the Monaco Grand Prix
There are several possibilities for enjoying the Grand Prix in style.
Formula One Paddock Club
The Formula One Paddock Club™ is hosted by the harbour on the Rascasse Corner in the harbour For 5,802 euros, it offers an exclusive two-day experience with a view of the pit entry, all-day refreshments and champagne, entertainment, VIP access to the pit area with scheduled pit lane walks, entry to a dining lounge and a guided lap in the Drivers Parade Truck. Appearances by the F1 team and drivers at the club are very likely .
Grandstands
For those without the possibility to watch the action from an apartment, Monaco Grand Prix grandstands are the most obvious option. A seat in the upper level of Grandstand T, which overlooks one of the circuit’s final straights and also offers views of the pit lane and team garages costs 605 euros on Grand Prix day.
Cheaper tickets are available for the practice races on Thursday and for the final practice run on Saturday, which is followed by the qualifier.
VIP terrace packages
To watch the Grand Prix in comfort while enjoying a real party atmosphere, a VIP terrace package is a great option. The packages are available in several categories: elite, platinum, gold, silver and bronze, the latter of which is only available for the Thursday and Saturday. The elite package costs 2,850 euros, which entitles guests to a panoramic view over the first stretch of the race, gourmet catering, premium champagne, an all-day cocktail bar. In addition to watching the cars race by on the harbourside street below, guests are entertained by a live DJ and watch live coverage of the event on a big screen. They also have a meet and greet with an F1 celebrity.
VIP yacht package
Watching Monaco’s famous event from a yacht is another possibility. Like the elite terrace experience mentioned above, VIP yacht packages combine gourmet catering with an open bar, a live DJ and an F1 celebrity meet and greet. In addition, after-race celebrations take place on the luxury tri-deck yachts creating an atmosphere in the harbour that is exactly what visitors expect from the Principality.
Detailed information about tickets and packages can be found on the official Monaco Grand Prix website. If you are considering renting or buying property with a view of the Grand Prix track, such as Port Hercules real estate, La Costa Properties Monaco will be delighted to accompany you in your search.
