MONACO GRAND PRIX AND THE COTE D ' AZUR By John Companiotte
The Grand Prix de Monaco at Monte Carlo is one of the premier sporting events in the world . The first Monaco Grand Prix took place on April 14 , 1929 . The race eventually became part of the pre-Second World War European Championship and was included in the first World Championship of Drivers in 1950 . It continues today as a destination event worthy of several days of attendance .
From its earliest era the race has been won by the best drivers in car racing . Tazio Nuvloari , driving an Alfa Romeo , won in 1932 . Juan Manuel Fangio , driving an Alfa Romeo , won in 1950 , winning the driver ' s championship for the Grand Prix season in 1951 , 1954 , 1955 , 1956 , and 1957 . Graham Hill , driving a BRM , won at Monaco in 1963 , 1964 , 1965 , 1968 , and 1969 , attaining the title of " Mr . Monaco ." Ayrton Senna won the race more times than any other driver , with six victories , winning five races consecutively between 1989 and 1993 . In the 81 editions of the Monaco Grand Prix , only two Monégasque drivers have won the race , Louis Chiron driving a Bugatti in 1931 , and Charles Leclerc driving a Ferrari in 2024 .
Held officially as a Formula 1 racing event officially since 1959 , the event in late May attracts over 100,000 spectators surrounding the city ' s streets and millions more on television . Only twenty drivers in the world qualify to compete for the Driver ' s Championship in Formula 1 racing , a very exclusive set of talent .
Opposite page : Mougins Above : Monte Carlo on race day
PORTFOLIO MAGAZINE 39