24. 5. 2023
A longstanding feature on the calendar, Monaco joined the Formula 1 World Championship in its inaugural season in 1950. Hosted in the world’s second smallest country, the sight of the fastest race cars in the world navigating the narrow streets of Monaco against the backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea never loses its lustre.
Make the most of your visit with BWT Alpine F1 Team’s guide to enjoying your stay in the Principality of Monaco.
KEY INFO
Official Language: French
Time Zone: Central European Summer Time (CEST)
In Emergency: Call 112
Weather: In May, average temperatures see highs of around 26°C and lows of 14°C, but be sure to pack a light rain jacket in case of rain.
Getting Around: The quickest and easiest way to travel between the many towns on the Cote d’Azur is by train. Within Monaco, The Monaco Bus Company (C.A.M.) covers all major tourist destinations and runs from 7:00am - 9:30pm. You can buy tickets online, aboard a bus or at ticket machines around the Principality. Monaco also has its own electric bike programme that you can access via website and downloadable app.
Top tip: Download the CityMapper app to help you plan the most timely and cost-effective journeys in Monaco.
AT THE TRACK
Track Action: If racing is the sole purpose of your trip to the Principality, you are in for a treat. In addition to Formula 1, both the FIA Formula 2 and FIA Formula 3 championships will be sharing the track action this weekend. Catch Alpine Academy drivers Jack Doohan, Victor Martins, Gabriele Minì, Nikola Tsolov and Sophia Floersch racing through the iconic streets of Monaco from Thursday 25 May - Sunday 28 May.
Meet and Greet: Stop by L’Orangerie for a meet and greet with Alpine Academy drivers on Thursday 25 May from 10:00 - 11:00. This is the perfect opportunity to grab a selfie or an autograph card from your favourite young drivers before the race weekend kicks off.
Fan Forum: Catch BWT Alpine F1 Team drivers Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly at the Formula 1 Fan Forum on Saturday 27 May from 10:25 - 10:45*.
FOOD & DRINK
● We are no strangers to hotel restaurants, and Monaco has some of the best. Enjoy Mediterranean cuisine at Joël Robuchon’s first restaurant in the Principality of Monaco, an open-kitchen concept restaurant located within Hotel Métropole. If you’re looking for a Caribbean twist on classic French, Mediterranean and European cuisine, look no further than Blue Bay at the Monte Carlo Bay Hotel and Resort.
● If you are hoping to enjoy the ambience of the streets of Monaco, a restaurant with an outdoor terrace might be the perfect addition to your itinerary. The Cafe de Paris touts a brasserie ambience and gourmet Mediterranean cuisine. Caffe Milano is positioned at the beginning of Port Hercules and their second-floor terrace provides scenic views of the water to accompany your pasta. While Santo Gelato Monaco does not have a terrace, its central location with outdoor seating provides an ideal setting for people watching.
● For lunch and dinner options, enjoy all of the fresh seafood the Principality has to offer. Visit GAIA Monaco for Greek culture and cuisine, Izakaya Cozza for Japanese dishes with a Mediterranean twist, Buddha Bar Monte-Carlo for a blend of Thai cuisine and Pulcinella for your Italian cravings.
● For post-race drinks, enjoy live music at La Rascasse, shisha and a sea view at Jimmy*Z and no-fuss food and drinks at Brasserie de Monaco.
EXPERIENCE MONACO
If you’re sticking around after the race to enjoy all that Monaco has to offer, or have some time to explore before heading to the track, here are a few recommendations for the best way to experience Monaco.
● Palais Princier was built as a fortress in the 13th century and remains the private residence of the reigning Grimaldi family. You can catch the changing of the guards daily at 11:55am or take a tour of the Private Collection of Antique Cars of H.S.H. Prince Rainier III. The royal collection has everything from horse-drawn carriages and modern road cars to the historical race cars that made the Monte-Carlo Rally and the F1 Monaco Grand Prix so iconic.
● Musée Océanographique was founded in 1889 by Prince Albert I upon his return from several years at sea conducting research. If you’re interested in visiting the palace and the museum be sure to take advantage of their joint ticketing options, and don’t miss the sweeping views of Monaco and the Mediterranean from the rooftop terrace and cafe.
● Monte-Carlo Shopping Promenade is a collection of 40 high-end stores near the Place du Casino. Meander through the mix of contemporary architecture and more classical storefronts pursuing the highest names in fashion, couture, jewellery, and perfumes.
Be sure to keep an eye out for BWT Alpine F1 Team and Alpine Academy colours on track this weekend. A full timetable* for the race weekend is listed below, all in local track time (CEST):
Thursday 25 May
● Formula 3 Practice 13:30 - 14:15
● Formula 2 Practice 15:00 - 15:45
Friday 26 May
● Formula 3 Qualifying 11:10 - 11:50
● Formula 1 FP1 13:30 - 14:30
● Formula 2 Qualifying 15:10 - 15:48
● Formula 1 FP2 17:00 - 18:00
Saturday 27 May
● Formula 3 Sprint Race 11:00 - 11:45
● Formula 1 FP3 12:30 - 13:30
● Formula 2 Sprint Race 14:15 - 15:00
● Formula 1 Qualifying 16:00 - 17:00
Sunday 28 May
● Formula 3 Feature Race 08:00 - 08:45
● Formula 2 Feature Race 09:40 - 10:40
● Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix 15:00 (78 laps)
*All timings are subject to change.