What’s it like? THE MONACO GRAND PRIX
The Monaco Grand Prix is a once-in-a-lifetime event, no matter how you experience it. Even if you never spot a car, the energy of the principality is worth it, as the sights and sounds have you believing there is no better place in the world at that moment. The aura is palpable, with racing history since 1929 and still being one of the most dangerous tracks in the F1 season. The tight corners, elevation changes and waterfront nature makes the Monaco Grand Prix both beautiful and compelling for anyone with a ticket.
There are two ways to watch Monaco: from land or from marina. As a part of a major partnership between VanDutch and the McLaren F1 team, I was lucky enough to experience the Monaco Grand Prix a boat’s length from the circuit’s famed Nouvelle corner.
Here’s the story:
Lando Norris (4) and Carlos Sainz (55) pose on their custom branded VanDutch.
We were in town as part of a brand partnership between VanDutch and the McLaren F1 team exclusively during the 2019 Monaco Grand Prix. VanDutch provided three boats to be wrapped to match the look of McLaren’s race car. Due to the magnitude of Monaco, the teams frequently execute major marketing programs during race week with sponsors and fans, and our boats were a unique element to the week’s marketing equation. One of the programs was revealing each driver’s custom wrapped VanDutch on Thursday, seen here.
Entering Port Hercule during race weekend in any boat feels gigantic, as if the world is watching. After the photoshoot, we pulled in with each McLaren driver on his own VanDutch, with another matching VanDutch for good measure. On your right as you enter the port is the Monaco tunnel, where on race day, engine noise reverberates across the water and is audible to boats anchored thousands of yards off shore. On Sunday’s race day, police and marina security scan every boat to confirm you are authorized to enter. The security is presidential-grade.
Entering Port Hercule at the break wall, with the Monaco Tunnel (far right).
We didn’t have the best perspective of the race itself, but our perspective of the environment surrounding the race was eye opening. Looking up from the harbor, there are human silhouettes anywhere one can fit. Balconies, hills and rooftops alike are flooded with those trying to catch any glimpse of the magic happening below.
We spent some time cruising the harbor in awe of everything, and finally decided to idle in place in view of the Nouvelle corner, a quick left/right combination after the tunnel straight. We were flanked by the most recognized yachts in the world, on entrance and while idling in the marina. Notables: S/Y A, M/Y Illusion, M/Y Global, M/Y Faith. As my first live F1 experience, I was not aware just how special this moment was, and thankfully we took tons of pictures and videos. It was over before I knew it.
Eventually we realized there was no board to follow the race order and it had started to rain, so we headed back to Cap D’Ail to tie up and watch the last 15 laps from a restaurant in the marina called Bolinas. Beyond race day, the entire weekend was just as fun. The Grand Prix succeeds the Cannes Film Festival on the event calendar, so for a two week period you feel as though the South of France has kicked off summer for the entire world.
Our group during race day at the 2019 Monaco Grand Prix. Spot the Tag Heuer sign and you’ve located the Nouvelle corner.
For those attending this weekend, or with plans to attend in the future, I’ve included some tips based on our experience as a bystander and also as a guest of a team.
Getting There
Standard routes of arrival are by road, train and boat, with ease of access in the same order.
My preference is by train, directly into the Monaco-Monte-Carlo Station which is only a few minutes walk to the paddock. Train will cost €10/way and guarantee your arrival and departure time, plus you’ll get to walk past the historic Sainte-Dévote Chapel as you descend into Monaco and towards the marina.
Via car may seem convenient, however on race day you may have difficulty finding a ride, and be caught sitting in winding traffic along the main A8 or the smaller D6007 depending how you approach. However your arrival goes, your exit will be 10x worse unless you’re hanging around afterwards to celebrate.
By boat is a lovely convenience, but your vessel will need clearance to enter Port Hercule, and you’ll be dropped directly into the VIP/media entrance. Be ready to show the correct tickets, because there is only one route in.
We were lucky enough to combine train and boat: riding from Cannes to Cap D’Ail (station prior to Monaco) via train and taking a VanDutch 55 for the brief cruise out of Cap D’Ail and into Port Hercule.
Jordan and I cruising into Port Hercule in front of the famed S/Y “A”. Had to do a few circles around “A” before heading into the port.
Where Should I Watch From?
For what its worth, few seats yield a viable vantage point of more than one corner of the race. Don’t buy tickets expecting to witness the entirety of the race, like you would a football or basketball game. This is true for all F1 live events. Your ticket’s value in Monaco is in your “overall experience” — the sights, sounds and race environment — which is why prices are high even without a notable view. Regardless of price, the event will be sold out. The overflow of demand is fulfilled by countless creative spaces to watch: a majority of which are people’s private balconies, rooftops and hills. Even though they are unconventional seats, the balconies - on average - will give you a better vantage point yet cost noticeably higher than turn tickets.
If you’re wanting the best seat in the house, check out balcony options here.
If you’re wanting turn tickets, here are the best:
Grandstand K (Marina View) - when looking at the track, sitting at the top left corner will allow you to see the most track and a great view of the marina.
Grandstand B (Casino Monte Carlo view) - when you’re not watching cars, you can feel one with the royals at the world’s most lavish casino.
Grandstand O (High speed and pit lane) - featuring the high-octane Piscine Corner, and some of the pit lanes if you sit high enough.
Buy turn tickets from F1 directly here (SOLD OUT FOR 2022).
Its difficult to see in this image, but while entering the marina, you see the silhouette of a body wherever a body can fit.
THE Paddock Experience
We toured the paddock with McLaren prior to the race, after doing the driver photoshoot. After standing in that area i finally realized the efficiency these teams operate with. No moment is spared to maximize the car’s output, and part of the sport’s allure is due to the fan’s appreciation for just how seamless every team action is. You’re witnessing the scientific method in action. We walked through the paddock, watching teams roll cars into and out of garages, preparing for the day ahead. While walking through McLaren’s garage, we got a close up explanation of the driver electronics, the construction process, and heard how rapidly parts are upgraded throughout the year.
Since my experience at the Monaco Grand Prix, I have immersed myself in the sport. I’m so thankful to have been a part of the partnership, been able to execute on behalf of VanDutch, and work with the McLaren team to deliver a memorable moment for the team and its fans.
If you have questions on my experience, or would like tips on how to plan your own Monaco experience, shoot me an email at Reed@RNMarine.com.
