Breaking: Monaco Grand Prix Corner Names Explained – A Journey Through F1’s Most Iconic Circuit…read more
Discover the stories behind every corner of the legendary Monaco Grand Prix circuit. From Sainte-Dévote to Antony Noghès, explore the history, drama, and iconic F1 moments that define this prestigious race.
Monaco Grand Prix Corner Names Explained – A Journey Through F1’s Most Iconic Circuit
The Monaco Grand Prix is one of Formula 1’s most prestigious races, and its circuit is filled with history, drama, and legendary moments. Stretching just 3.3km, the street circuit winds through the principality of Monaco and has been almost unchanged since it first hosted the event in 1929. This track doesn’t just challenge drivers—it tells stories. Every corner here has a name, and behind each name is a piece of F1 folklore.
Sainte-Dévote (Turn 1)
Named after a small chapel honouring Monaco’s patron saint, this opening corner is known for first-lap chaos. Felipe Massa famously crashed here twice in 2013 alone.
Beau Rivage (Turn 2)
Translating to “beautiful coastline,” this section leads uphill to the highest point of the track. In 1984, Nigel Mansell briefly took the lead here before crashing, handing the wet race to Alain Prost.
Massenet (Turn 3)
This left-hander is named after French composer Jules Massenet. Last year, Sergio Perez collided with both Haas drivers here on the opening lap.
Casino Square (Turn 4)
Arguably the most glamorous point on the track, the corner is flanked by the historic Casino de Monte-Carlo. In 2021, Mick Schumacher crashed heavily here during practice.
Mirabeau Superior (Turn 5)
Overlooking a residential block, this corner was the site of Nico Rosberg’s controversial 2014 qualifying lock-up that denied Lewis Hamilton a shot at pole.
Hairpin (Turn 6)
The slowest corner in F1, it’s famous for tight battles and traffic jams. In 2000, a pile-up occurred when Jenson Button ran into Pedro de la Rosa.
Mirabeau Inferior (Turn 7)
Another sharp descent, Michael Schumacher crashed here in 1996 on the first lap—an uncharacteristic mistake from the legend.
Portier (Turn 8)
Located in a seaside residential area, this turn precedes the tunnel. Ayrton Senna crashed here in 1988 while leading and didn’t return to the paddock afterward—he simply walked home.
Tunnel (Turn 9)
The only covered section of any F1 track, it presents visibility challenges as drivers exit into daylight. Jenson Button crashed here in 2003 and missed the race due to injuries. Back in 1955, Alberto Ascari flew off the track and into the harbour, miraculously surviving.
Nouvelle Chicane (Turns 10/11)
Originally known as Chicane du Port, it was redesigned in 1986. This section is tough for overtaking, though Mansell famously challenged Prost here in 1991.
Tabac (Turn 12)
Named after a nearby tobacco shop, it’s seen its fair share of accidents. Martin Brundle flipped his car here in 1984, and Hamilton crashed on lap one in 2008 but still went on to win the race.
Swimming Pool Complex (Turns 13–16)
Near the Rainier III Nautical Stadium, this section includes the Louis Chiron chicane. Verstappen crashed here in 2018, missing qualifying, allowing teammate Ricciardo to win.
La Rascasse (Turn 17)
Named after a local bar, this is where Schumacher controversially “parked” his car in 2006 qualifying to block rivals from setting a better time.
Antony Noghès (Turn 18)
The final turn is named after the man who created the Monaco GP. Schumacher was penalized here in 2010 for overtaking Alonso under Safety Car conditions.
Each twist and turn of the Monaco GP circuit holds decades of drama, making it not just a race—but a living museum of motorsport.
