Monaco GP 2023 - first time visitor
Discussion
Having become obsessed with F1 this year off the back of the Drive to survive series on Netflix we’ve decided to take the plunge and head down to Monaco for the race next year. We’re planning on driving down and combining it with a two week trip to various other spots around France.
Accommodation is all sorted as my brother in law’s family have a house in Valbonne and I guess we would take the train across, as I’ve read parking is more or less non existent.
We’re looking at the Z1 general admission for Sunday which seems to be a reasonable compromise between cost and actually seeing the race (I read Roche is a bit of a pain). Has anyone else watched from Z1 and is it worth it? Or should we be going for grand stand ticket?
When do tickets tend to go in sale? I’ve set up alerts on the official F1 site.
Any tips or advice would be much appreciated!
Accommodation is all sorted as my brother in law’s family have a house in Valbonne and I guess we would take the train across, as I’ve read parking is more or less non existent.
We’re looking at the Z1 general admission for Sunday which seems to be a reasonable compromise between cost and actually seeing the race (I read Roche is a bit of a pain). Has anyone else watched from Z1 and is it worth it? Or should we be going for grand stand ticket?
When do tickets tend to go in sale? I’ve set up alerts on the official F1 site.
Any tips or advice would be much appreciated!
I did the Monaco GP this year.
Bought the tickets last November via the Automobile Club de Monaco website.
Had grandstand tickets for practice and then the GP. Didn’t bother with qualifying as the cost vs track activity on qually day didn’t make sense.
For practice we sat right at the back ie top of Tribune O. It’s opposite the swimming pool and you sit with your back to the harbour. Great view of the track and screens, not to mention the harbour.
For the race we were in Tribune K3 at the entrance to the swimming pool complex. Not as good a view and the screens were more distant but you’re closer to the cars - you could feel the spray coming off the tyres in the rain.
We took the ferry down to Santander. Ambled across Spain to the Spanish GP then round the Med coast to stay in Nice. We got the train from Nice into Monaco each day. €4 each way. On race day they laid on dedicated trains which were very well marshalled. All very easy to do.
Biggest surprise - and I’ve posted this before - were food and drink prices. Each grandstand had its own array of vendors. Plenty of them and all well staffed. Many are run by local charities. Beer was €7 including a €2 deposit on the plastic cup. Baguettes were €3.50.
Sitting on the quayside behind Tribune O eating my lunch I got to meet Toto (and Susie) who were off to lunch on the Stroll yacht.
I can’t comment on how the general admission tickets stack up but people did seem to be clinging onto any bit of hillside to get a view. If you’re going to go all that way there then it’s worth doing it properly.
It’s well worth it for the atmosphere and the experience. There are plenty of better races but no better locations.
Bought the tickets last November via the Automobile Club de Monaco website.
Had grandstand tickets for practice and then the GP. Didn’t bother with qualifying as the cost vs track activity on qually day didn’t make sense.
For practice we sat right at the back ie top of Tribune O. It’s opposite the swimming pool and you sit with your back to the harbour. Great view of the track and screens, not to mention the harbour.
For the race we were in Tribune K3 at the entrance to the swimming pool complex. Not as good a view and the screens were more distant but you’re closer to the cars - you could feel the spray coming off the tyres in the rain.
We took the ferry down to Santander. Ambled across Spain to the Spanish GP then round the Med coast to stay in Nice. We got the train from Nice into Monaco each day. €4 each way. On race day they laid on dedicated trains which were very well marshalled. All very easy to do.
Biggest surprise - and I’ve posted this before - were food and drink prices. Each grandstand had its own array of vendors. Plenty of them and all well staffed. Many are run by local charities. Beer was €7 including a €2 deposit on the plastic cup. Baguettes were €3.50.
Sitting on the quayside behind Tribune O eating my lunch I got to meet Toto (and Susie) who were off to lunch on the Stroll yacht.
I can’t comment on how the general admission tickets stack up but people did seem to be clinging onto any bit of hillside to get a view. If you’re going to go all that way there then it’s worth doing it properly.
It’s well worth it for the atmosphere and the experience. There are plenty of better races but no better locations.
Thundersports said:
It's not 100% to be on the calendar at the moment. 
And if it is on the calendar, it’s not guaranteed to be on the traditional date.They’re trying to get Miami and Canada back-to-back in May, and group all the European races together over the summer, with no fly-always in the middle. Helps with the carbon footprint (they say), and allows for an extra race or maybe two, to be squeezed in (they mean).
I would be a little wary of becoming obsessed with a sport based on an utterly contrived television series, I get that it gives you bits of insight, but a lot of it is out of context and made for tv. And Monaco can be very expensive and disappointing to attend, it depends on your budget.
I agree it helps and the Silverstone bosses admitted this readily this year's saying that Netflix has helped them sell even more tickets.
It staggers me that tv alone gets people to spend hundreds of pounds to sit or stand in an old airfield and get treated like cattle, but hey I must be in the wrong!
I agree it helps and the Silverstone bosses admitted this readily this year's saying that Netflix has helped them sell even more tickets.
It staggers me that tv alone gets people to spend hundreds of pounds to sit or stand in an old airfield and get treated like cattle, but hey I must be in the wrong!
LukeBrown66 said:
I would be a little wary of becoming obsessed with a sport based on an utterly contrived television series, I get that it gives you bits of insight, but a lot of it is out of context and made for tv. And Monaco can be very expensive and disappointing to attend, it depends on your budget.
I agree it helps and the Silverstone bosses admitted this readily this year's saying that Netflix has helped them sell even more tickets.
It staggers me that tv alone gets people to spend hundreds of pounds to sit or stand in an old airfield and get treated like cattle, but hey I must be in the wrong!
Do you get paid by the word?I agree it helps and the Silverstone bosses admitted this readily this year's saying that Netflix has helped them sell even more tickets.
It staggers me that tv alone gets people to spend hundreds of pounds to sit or stand in an old airfield and get treated like cattle, but hey I must be in the wrong!
Go and enjoy the race weekend! Personally I'd go and see all of it, as even when F1 isn't on track there should be something happening in terms of the support races etc..
Basically you can't go wrong with whatever you do, although the trains can get quite busy.
I went with two friends about 10 years ago and just enjoyed the spectacle and setting. We had grandstand seats every day, but it was a significant birthday being celebrated so wanted to make it special. Although I hadn't banked on Kangaroo TV or whatever it was called latterly ending its agreement (or probably vice versa) with F1 so hadn't tried to get seats with a screen nearby...
Day 1 (was Thursday) we were in the grandstand opposite the casino. There was a screen on which you could catch replays and action from around the circuit.
Day 2 (Saturday) we were on the small grandstand at the entrance to the tunnel. You're almost perched above the mediterranean in that grandstand. I think I had banked on having Kangaroo TV then... but had a mobile with the timing and listening to Monaco FM or similar as they cover the race a bit.
Day 3, race day. We had seats on the inside of turn 1. It was amazing - you felt like you could almost touch the cars as they went past and exited the pitlane.
Obviously it can be expensive and obviously there will be 'dead ends' and small passages and routes to navigate but all in all it didn't disappoint. Although I've only been to F1 at Silverstone and Francorchamps before.
Basically you can't go wrong with whatever you do, although the trains can get quite busy.
I went with two friends about 10 years ago and just enjoyed the spectacle and setting. We had grandstand seats every day, but it was a significant birthday being celebrated so wanted to make it special. Although I hadn't banked on Kangaroo TV or whatever it was called latterly ending its agreement (or probably vice versa) with F1 so hadn't tried to get seats with a screen nearby...
Day 1 (was Thursday) we were in the grandstand opposite the casino. There was a screen on which you could catch replays and action from around the circuit.
Day 2 (Saturday) we were on the small grandstand at the entrance to the tunnel. You're almost perched above the mediterranean in that grandstand. I think I had banked on having Kangaroo TV then... but had a mobile with the timing and listening to Monaco FM or similar as they cover the race a bit.
Day 3, race day. We had seats on the inside of turn 1. It was amazing - you felt like you could almost touch the cars as they went past and exited the pitlane.
Obviously it can be expensive and obviously there will be 'dead ends' and small passages and routes to navigate but all in all it didn't disappoint. Although I've only been to F1 at Silverstone and Francorchamps before.
Thanks for all the replies. Very helpful to get some insight from people who have actually attended.
It’s disappointing to hear that Monaco is looking uncertain for next year… I hadn’t heard that before. Fingers crossed it continues as it’s one of those iconic races which would be a real shame to loose.
Re the Netflix doc, obsessed was probably an exaggeration however it has definitely reminded me how much I enjoyed F1 having not followed it for a number of years and got me back into it. As has been said, I know there are cheaper and possibly better tracks to attend as a spectator however going to Monaco is a more about the experience and frankly a gives a jolly good excuse for a road trip to the south of France!
It’s disappointing to hear that Monaco is looking uncertain for next year… I hadn’t heard that before. Fingers crossed it continues as it’s one of those iconic races which would be a real shame to loose.
Re the Netflix doc, obsessed was probably an exaggeration however it has definitely reminded me how much I enjoyed F1 having not followed it for a number of years and got me back into it. As has been said, I know there are cheaper and possibly better tracks to attend as a spectator however going to Monaco is a more about the experience and frankly a gives a jolly good excuse for a road trip to the south of France!
Do a search for pistonheads Monaco Grand Prix there have been numerous threads over the years.
Being metres away from a modern F1 car at full pelt in the city streets is one of the best things you can witness in sport.
Food and drink is cheap.
Look carefully into where the paddock connects to the pits, if you choose your seats correct as well as being right next to the track and see the pits you can also meet pretty much all the drivers and staff as they move between the two.
The buzz of the start is different to any other GP you can attend imho, you’re so close the nerves are infectious.
Being metres away from a modern F1 car at full pelt in the city streets is one of the best things you can witness in sport.
Food and drink is cheap.
Look carefully into where the paddock connects to the pits, if you choose your seats correct as well as being right next to the track and see the pits you can also meet pretty much all the drivers and staff as they move between the two.
The buzz of the start is different to any other GP you can attend imho, you’re so close the nerves are infectious.
Another person coming to the sport after watching basically reality tv, it shows to me what a garbage job F1, SKY BBC all did in getting these viewers into the sport.
They seem to have massive disposable income to spend as the staggering prices of tickets shows yet tracks are selling out routinely, they seem to be happy to go to races.
I do also wish to ask, what was it about a slightly OTT reality tv show that makes a person happily dole out hundreds of pounds, you will get nowhere near the access you get in the show!!
I am not criticising btw, it's great you are happy to dio this, but was the previous coverage etc not enough?
They seem to have massive disposable income to spend as the staggering prices of tickets shows yet tracks are selling out routinely, they seem to be happy to go to races.
I do also wish to ask, what was it about a slightly OTT reality tv show that makes a person happily dole out hundreds of pounds, you will get nowhere near the access you get in the show!!
I am not criticising btw, it's great you are happy to dio this, but was the previous coverage etc not enough?
n3il123 said:
Just looking at this, so
flights to Nice?
I think train is only ~30 mins to Monaco?
What area or specific hotel would be worth looking at?
Did the Monaco historic a few years ago which was a hell of a lot cheaper, got to go in all the stands, not crowded and the cars actually sounded good!flights to Nice?
I think train is only ~30 mins to Monaco?
What area or specific hotel would be worth looking at?
Flew to Nice, stayed in Nice, took the short train ride to Monaco. Also enjoyed the Monaco motor museum and Palace. Hired a car at the airport and drove to St Tropez for a few days after.
LukeBrown66 said:
Another person coming to the sport after watching basically reality tv, it shows to me what a garbage job F1, SKY BBC all did in getting these viewers into the sport.
They seem to have massive disposable income to spend as the staggering prices of tickets shows yet tracks are selling out routinely, they seem to be happy to go to races.
I do also wish to ask, what was it about a slightly OTT reality tv show that makes a person happily dole out hundreds of pounds, you will get nowhere near the access you get in the show!!
I am not criticising btw, it's great you are happy to dio this, but was the previous coverage etc not enough?
I don't mean to criticise btw but you come across as a thoroughly miserable and horrible person. I've yet to see one post where you don't moan, belittle or criticise someone. They seem to have massive disposable income to spend as the staggering prices of tickets shows yet tracks are selling out routinely, they seem to be happy to go to races.
I do also wish to ask, what was it about a slightly OTT reality tv show that makes a person happily dole out hundreds of pounds, you will get nowhere near the access you get in the show!!
I am not criticising btw, it's great you are happy to dio this, but was the previous coverage etc not enough?
The guy has seen a programme on TV admittedly not Equinox but it has got him into the sport, which he now wants to go and see live, can't you just be happy in that in these unsettled and adverse times that people are coming to the sport and not leaving it?
LukeBrown66 said:
Another person coming to the sport after watching basically reality tv, it shows to me what a garbage job F1, SKY BBC all did in getting these viewers into the sport.
They seem to have massive disposable income to spend as the staggering prices of tickets shows yet tracks are selling out routinely, they seem to be happy to go to races.
I do also wish to ask, what was it about a slightly OTT reality tv show that makes a person happily dole out hundreds of pounds, you will get nowhere near the access you get in the show!!
I am not criticising btw, it's great you are happy to dio this, but was the previous coverage etc not enough?
I used to watch and compete ( all be it enduro racing) in a lot of motor sport when I was younger, however I just fell out of love with it and stopped watching and taking part. I completely get that the show is massively dramatised, however it was just something that reminded me of what fun it is, hence why I now watch all the f1 races on sky which seem to do a reasonably good job coving it.They seem to have massive disposable income to spend as the staggering prices of tickets shows yet tracks are selling out routinely, they seem to be happy to go to races.
I do also wish to ask, what was it about a slightly OTT reality tv show that makes a person happily dole out hundreds of pounds, you will get nowhere near the access you get in the show!!
I am not criticising btw, it's great you are happy to dio this, but was the previous coverage etc not enough?
I think most people fully understand that the track coverage is very different to watching it on the sofa. I went to lots of days at days at brands hatch in my younger years so know what to expect. For me it’s a fun experience which will be combined with a long planned tour through France. It’s not cheap but I can afford it as a one off treat. I doubt I would personally make a special trip to Monaco and would probably attend silverstone instead as its far more convenient and much better value for money!
I guess F1 moving from terrestrial to sky probably stopped a lot of people watching it. It’s now far easier to get back into it with the likes of NowTV as you don’t also have to also pay for a 1000 channels full of rubbish which you normally get with a sky package and can simply cancel sky sports when the season is over.
champ54321 said:
I used to watch and compete ( all be it enduro racing) in a lot of motor sport when I was younger, however I just fell out of love with it and stopped watching and taking part. I completely get that the show is massively dramatised, however it was just something that reminded me of what fun it is, hence why I now watch all the f1 races on sky which seem to do a reasonably good job coving it.
I think most people fully understand that the track coverage is very different to watching it on the sofa. I went to lots of days at days at brands hatch in my younger years so know what to expect. For me it’s a fun experience which will be combined with a long planned tour through France. It’s not cheap but I can afford it as a one off treat. I doubt I would personally make a special trip to Monaco and would probably attend silverstone instead as its far more convenient and much better value for money!
I guess F1 moving from terrestrial to sky probably stopped a lot of people watching it. It’s now far easier to get back into it with the likes of NowTV as you don’t also have to also pay for a 1000 channels full of rubbish which you normally get with a sky package and can simply cancel sky sports when the season is over.
One tip I’d give, is to take an iPad or similar, with the F1 live timing app which also has the English radio commentary. Makes the world of difference, especially if walking around the circuit or not in front of the Jumbotron. I think most people fully understand that the track coverage is very different to watching it on the sofa. I went to lots of days at days at brands hatch in my younger years so know what to expect. For me it’s a fun experience which will be combined with a long planned tour through France. It’s not cheap but I can afford it as a one off treat. I doubt I would personally make a special trip to Monaco and would probably attend silverstone instead as its far more convenient and much better value for money!
I guess F1 moving from terrestrial to sky probably stopped a lot of people watching it. It’s now far easier to get back into it with the likes of NowTV as you don’t also have to also pay for a 1000 channels full of rubbish which you normally get with a sky package and can simply cancel sky sports when the season is over.
Z1 isnt a bad spot for what you are paying although a bit of a free for all on race day however once the race has started people tend to move around so you can change your position a little bit. Sectuer Rocher is also fine although take a small trowel to dig yourself into the hillside but it's not that bad. It's been a while since I've been to Monaco so things may have changed.
Here are a couple of videos from I think 2005 and 2007 which give you a bit of a sense I guess. Z1 tends to swing it for me because there are cafes right behind you so you can get a beer or sandwich whereas SR you really need to take your own provisions.
Sectuer Rocher
https://www.amazon.co.uk/clouddrive/share/Oyvt8eYf...
Z1
https://www.amazon.co.uk/clouddrive/share/H4TqTzxK...
Here are a couple of videos from I think 2005 and 2007 which give you a bit of a sense I guess. Z1 tends to swing it for me because there are cafes right behind you so you can get a beer or sandwich whereas SR you really need to take your own provisions.
Sectuer Rocher
https://www.amazon.co.uk/clouddrive/share/Oyvt8eYf...
Z1
https://www.amazon.co.uk/clouddrive/share/H4TqTzxK...
I've never been to the GP but I've worked in Monaco a couple of times. For any petrol head it's a very cool place to be, you will see some seriously rare cars - and the nice thing is they're not just 'on display', they're being driven and enjoyed by the people that own them. The superyachts are also hugely impressive up close.
Luke would hate it, all those silly billionaire's wasting their money on things they like...
Luke would hate it, all those silly billionaire's wasting their money on things they like...
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