Monaco Grand Prix: The Legendary Corners and Local Secrets

Turn 1 – Sainte-Dévote

Just moments after the lights go out, drivers navigate the Sainte-Dévote corner, named after Monaco’s patron saint. Local legend says Monaco’s flowers bloom early each year in honor of her feast day. Memorable moment: Lewis Hamilton’s daring pass on Michael Schumacher in 2011.

Turn 2 – Beau Rivage

French for "beautiful coastline," this uphill section offers drivers brief but stunning views of the Mediterranean. Memorable moment: Nigel Mansell dramatically crashed here in 1984, after overtaking Alain Prost.

Turn 3 – Massenet

Named after famed French composer Jules Massenet, whose statue graces this sweeping left-hander. Memorable moment: David Coulthard and Sebastian Bourdais simultaneously crashing in 2008’s rainy race.

Turn 4 – Casino Square

Dominated by the iconic Monte Carlo Casino, this corner encapsulates Monaco’s luxury and history. Memorable moment: countless Hollywood films and iconic TV series feature this glamorous location.

Turn 5 – Mirabeau Superior

The steep descent begins at Mirabeau Superior, originally named after the former Le Mirabeau hotel overlooking the corner. Memorable moment: Patrick Tambay spectacularly flipped after colliding with Martin Brundle in 1986.

Turn 6 – The Hairpin

Infamous as the slowest corner on the F1 calendar, cars wind through here at just 30 mph. Memorable moment: Jenson Button’s collision with Pedro de la Rosa, causing a massive blockage in 2000.

Turn 7 – Mirabeau Inferior

Adjacent to the old Le Mirabeau hotel entrance, this corner is notoriously challenging. Memorable moment: Michael Schumacher crashed here in 1996, triggering further chaos involving Eddie Irvine and Mika Häkkinen.

Turn 8 – Portier

Leading into the iconic Monaco tunnel, Portier was the scene of Ayrton Senna’s shocking crash in 1988 when he was comfortably leading the race.

Turn 9 – The Tunnel

One of the most iconic sections, the Monaco Tunnel plunges drivers from daylight into a dark, enclosed space at high speed. Due to the high-speed nature and limited visibility, a safety and warning light system has been installed within the tunnel to alert drivers of traffic ahead, significantly enhancing safety. Memorable moment: Schumacher and Montoya collided behind the safety car here in 2004.

Turns 10 & 11 – Nouvelle Chicane

Renamed "Nouvelle" (meaning "new") after modifications in 1986, this chicane is one of the few genuine overtaking spots. Memorable moment: Mansell’s daring move on Alain Prost in 1991.

Turn 12 – Tabac

Named after a small tobacco shop nearby, this tight corner tests drivers’ precision and bravery. Memorable moment: Hamilton bounced back from a crash here in 2008 to win the race.

Turns 13–16 – Swimming Pool

Built around Monaco’s public swimming pool complex, this technical series of chicanes saw an epic battle between Senna and Mansell in 1992.

Turn 17 – La Rascasse

Named after a local bar originally serving fishermen, La Rascasse has witnessed drama like Schumacher’s controversial qualifying incident in 2006.

Turn 18 – Antony Noghès

Named after the Monaco GP’s founder, this final corner leads drivers back onto the start/finish straight. Memorable moment: Schumacher overtaking Alonso under controversial circumstances in 2010.

Local Tip: Free Viewing Spot

Want a Monaco GP insider tip? Arrive very early and climb the hill near the start/finish straight. Here, you'll join savvy locals competing for free hillside seats, offering incredible views without the hefty ticket price.

Enjoy the glamour, history, and speed of Monaco’s most famous event!