How to Win the Monaco Grand Prix
Image: The Cahier Archive
Today we take a look at five memorable wins of Formula One’s most prestigious race – The Monaco Grand Prix.
There are a few drivers who have made the top step of Monaco their home over the decades; Schumacher won the race five times; Alain Prost four, but two stand out as the kings of Monaco – Mr. Monaco, Graham Hill, and Ayrton Senna.
Graham Hill – 1969
In 1958 Graham Hill debuted in Formula One by taking to the streets of Monaco for the 1958 Monaco Grand Prix. Just eleven years later, as a reigning World Champion, he secured his fifth win at Monaco, which would also be his last in Formula One. And, as always, he did it in style.
Ayrton Senna – 1992
To secure his own fifth win at Monaco, Ayrton Senna had to fight off a supremely persistent Nigel Mansell, who had comfortably held the lead of the 1992 Monaco Grand Prix from his pole position start through to the 71st lap, when he was forced into the pits for a tyre change. He did, and their duel made for a great conclusion to the race. (Image: The Cahier Archive – www.f1-photo.com)
Riccardo Patrese – 1982
“Well we’ve got this ridiculous situation where we’re all sitting by the start/finish line waiting for a winner to come past and we don’t seem to be getting one!” – James Hunt
Riccardo Patrese claims his maiden Formula One win as rain flips the script on the 1982 Monaco Grand Prix.
Alain Prost – 1984
Rain was up to mischief again for the 1984 Monaco Grand Prix, which produced a contentious result and saw the rise of two up and coming stars – Ayrton Senna and Stefan Bellof.
The win went to Prost when the race was stopped amidst rain-soaked chaos. Although he had been passed by a charging Senna, who set his first ever Formula One fastest lap in this race, Prost reclaimed the lead when the race was rolled back to the last lap completed by every driver.
Olivier Panis – 1996
Again with the rain! Assuming you could have kept going until the 1996 Monaco Grand Prix hit the 2-hour time limit and was declared, you would have had a pretty good chance of ending up on the podium, alongside the only other two people who had finished the race.
Olivier Panis was the fastest man to survive two hours of spins, collisions and mechanical failures, to claim the 1996 Monaco Grand Prix and his only Formula One victory.
Image: The Cahier Archive
