I have always been a little perplexed by all the hype around the Monaco Grand Prix. As Formula 1 races go, this one, held through the streets of the small principality, lacks the excitement of unpredictability. With not much opportunity for passing along the narrow route, the driver starting on pole position has a good chance of taking the chequered flag. This, in fact, was the case in seven out of the last ten races.

Sebastian Vettel receiving the winner’s trophy from Prince Albert II and Charlene Wittstock in 2011

So why does everyone rich, famous and/or beautiful flock to Monaco for the weekend?

Well, probably because they already find themselves in the vicinity.

The Côte d’Azur

Traditionally the week preceding the Monaco Grand Prix features the Cannes International Film Festival. This prestigious by-invitation-only event is attended by the crème de la crème of the cinema world, and so, naturally, spectators and paparazzi follow. Each day’s screenings and accompanying red carpet appearances are veritable fashion shows, as the stars try to outshine each other in their couture gowns. It is the place to be to see and be seen.

Eva Herzigova in Dolce and Gabbana

Diane Kruger in Vivienne Westwood

Naomi Watts in Marchesa

Come the weekend, the action moves 37 km up the coast to Monte Carlo, preferably by yacht, as a berth in the marina of Port Hercules guarantees one the perfect view of the race track running around it!

The paddock becomes host to celebrities of every description, business moguls and even royalty.

Princess Beatrice and Dave Clark

Nicole Scherziger

On the Sunday evening following the race, festivities are concluded by the Amber Lounge Fashion Show and Auction. This is a charity-focused fashion event at which the Formula 1 drivers join their wives, girlfriends, sisters and children on the catwalk alongside some of the world’s most successful models. In 2008, according to Vogue, the event raised $1.375 million for the Elton John Aids Foundation. The auction lots included Sharon Stone’s 1974 Corvette – purchased by the then F1 World Champion, Kimi Raikkonen.

So Monaco really is about more than motor racing; it is a major event on the European social calendar.

It may even be an auspicious venue: Of the 31 drivers that have started the race on pole up to date, 25 became world champion in that same year!

  • The 2012 Cannes International Film Festival runs from 16 to 27 May.
  • The 2012 Monaco Grand Prix will take place on Sunday 27 May.

 

Sources

At a glance: Monte Carlo pole position sitters. (n.d.). Retrieved May 22, 2012, from

www.gpupdate.net/en/f1-news/234432/at-a-glance-monte-carlo-pole-position-winners/2/at-a-glance-monte-carlo-pole-position-winners/

Barnett, L. (2008, 27 May). The fashion Grand Prix. British Vogue. Retrieved May 22, 2012, from                 http://www.vogue.co.uk

Cannes Film Festival. (n.d.). Retrieved May 22, 2012, from  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannes_Film_Festival

Monaco Grand Prix . (n.d..) Retrieved May 22, 2012, from  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monaco_Grand_Prix#By_year

The Amber Lounge  F1 Monaco Grand Prix hospitality 2012. (n.d.). Retrieved May 22, 2012, from   http://www.f1monacogp.com

 

Images

Bruno, L. (2011). Ester Canadas, Spanish model and actress

[image] Retrieved May 22, 2012, from                http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/27052011/5/photo/27052011141328.html

Celotto, V.Z. (2012) Diane Kruger

    • Retrieved May22, 2012, from                 http://www.style.com/trendsshopping/stylenotes/051712_Cannes_Red_Carpet/

    Griffin, B. (2011). Prince Albert II and Charlene Wittstock at the Amber Lounge Fashion Show 2011 [image] Retrieved  May 22,                 2012, from                 http://www.zimbio.com/photos/Charlene+Wittstock/Prince+Albert+II/Amber+Lounge+Fashion+Show/ZYWp9SwM0HZ

    Gilham, P. (2011). Sebastian Vettel receiving the winner’s trophy [image] Retrieved May 22, 2012, from                 http://www.zimbio.com/photos/Charlene+Wittsock/F1+Grand+Prix+Monaco+Qualifying/acGlyN6QqEt

    Hache, V. (2012). Eva Herzigova [image] Retrieved May 22, 2012, from                 http://www.style.com/trendsshopping/stylenotes/051712_Cannes_Red_Carpet/

    Matthew Williamson [image] (2011). Retrieved May 22, 2012, from http://shop4me.onsugar.com/tag/Fashion-Show

    Nicole Scherzinger [image] (2011). Retrieved May 22, 2012, from                 http://www.vogue.co.uk

    Pimentel, G. (2012). Naomi Watts [image] retrieved May 22, 2012, from                 http://www.style.com/trendsshopping/stylenotes/051712_Cannes_Red_Carpet/

    Princess Beatrice and Dave Clark [image] (2011). Retrieved May 22, 2012, from

    http://www.vogue.co.uk

    Rys V. (2011). Sir Richard Branson entering the paddock at Monaco [image] Retrieved May 22, 2012, from                 http://bleacherreport.com/gallery/Monaco%20F1%20Grand%20Prix%20Race

    The Côte d’Azur [image] (n.d.). Retrieved  May 22, 2012, from http://www.rivieraexperience.com/about_villefranche.html

    The Marina on race day [image] (n.d.). Retrieved  May 22, 2012, from    http://blog.purentonline.com/index.php/2010/03/15/2010-formula-1-monaco-grand-prix-yacht-hospitality-packages/