Racing in Monaco – It’s something I never thought I would get to experience in my life. The tradition, the exclusivity, the drama. Monaco is the pinnacle of Grand Prix racing. It's a place where legends are born, and every corner tells a story.
It all started with a canceled ski trip. In the winter of 2022, I had a ski trip to Chamonix planned with a group of friends. It was my first time going to Europe, and I was beyond excited. But as the winter went on, the threat of a COVID resurgence grew, and I started to get a nagging feeling that it might not be the right time to go. So, I canceled my flight, which left me with a significant amount of flight credit and no plans for where to use it. That’s when the gears started to turn.
During the pandemic, like many others, I had become obsessed with F1 racing thanks to the Netflix show Drive to Survive. The drama, the rivalries, the drivers – it was all captivating. By the time I was watching the 2021 season unfold, I had become a true F1 fan.
A conversation I had years ago with my childhood best friend, David, suddenly popped back into my head. We’d always dreamed of going to France and watching a race in Monaco when we were kids. Though David wasn’t yet an F1 fan at the time, I figured this could be the perfect opportunity to finally fulfill that childhood dream. I reached out to him, suggesting we use this flight credit to visit his grandparents in the South of France and get tickets for the Monaco GP. David was all in. The adventure was on!
The anticipation was palpable as David and I met up at Logan Airport, ready for a week-long adventure in the French Riviera. We strategically booked a longer layover in Zurich, giving us the chance to explore this stunning Swiss city. As we wandered around the lake and took in the views, I was struck by the energy of Zurich – it felt like the whole city was outside enjoying the early spring sunshine. We grabbed a bite to eat by the water, soaked up the atmosphere, and made our way back to the airport for our flight to Nice.
Arriving on the French Riviera felt like stepping into a dream. We spent our first few days soaking up the warm Mediterranean sunshine and staying with David’s grandparents in Cap d’Ail, just a stone’s throw from the circuit. One of the highlights of our time there was visiting Plage Mala – a secluded beach nestled between two towering cliffs. The crystal-clear water and the stunning surroundings made it the most beautiful beach I’d ever seen.
As the race weekend approached, Monaco was buzzing with energy. The streets were alive with excitement. We spent our evenings walking through the city, feeling the buildup to one of the most iconic races in motorsport. The anticipation was palpable.
One of the most surreal moments was walking the track itself. From Casino Square to Sandoval, Rascasse, and the Pool, seeing these famous corners in real life was mind-blowing. The yachts lined up along the marina added an extra layer of glamour to the scene, and while we didn’t manage to sneak into any of the parties, we certainly soaked in the atmosphere.
Qualifying day arrived, and we headed to our seats in Grandstand K by the harbor. While they were the cheapest seats available, they turned out to be the best possible location to watch the action. From here, we had an unobstructed view of the tunnel exit, the bus stop, and the famous Pool corner. And as the cars sped by, the sound of those engines was unlike anything I had ever experienced. The roar of the Ferrari F1-75, especially, was nothing short of spectacular.
When Charles Leclerc was announced as pole sitter, the crowd erupted. There’s something about seeing a driver take pole position in their home race – the energy was electric. I couldn't help but imagine what it would have been like if he’d taken the win that year – the celebration would have been unreal.
Race day brought with it a sense of anticipation, and although the forecast predicted rain, the atmosphere around the circuit was nothing short of electric. Unfortunately, Ferrari’s strategy on tire choices didn’t work out as planned, and Charles Leclerc’s hopes for a home victory slipped away as he tumbled down the grid. But luck was on the side of Sergio Perez, who took the win. Despite the ups and downs, the celebration in Monaco was incredible. The horns blared, the crowd cheered, and the streets erupted in a frenzy of joy.
In that moment, I truly understood what makes Monaco so special. It’s not just the race – it’s the history, the drama, and the energy of being there. The atmosphere is unlike any other Grand Prix, and there’s nothing quite like hearing those cars roar through the tunnel, surrounded by the iconic buildings and the glamor of the city.
After the race, we spent our last few days in Monaco exploring the quieter streets and enjoying the laid-back vibe. The hustle and bustle of race weekend had faded, and we were able to truly appreciate the charm of the city. It was the perfect end to a trip that neither of us would ever forget.
Looking back, this trip to Monaco was one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life. The excitement of the race, the beauty of the French Riviera, and the memories made with David will stay with me forever. And while I’ve since returned for the Monaco Historique, nothing compares to the thrill of experiencing the Monaco Grand Prix for the first time – when I first heard those cars scream through the tunnel, and I knew I had checked something off my bucket list that would last a lifetime.