The small principality on the French Riviera, has long been synonymous with luxury, glamour, and prestige and the F1 drivers that live in Monaco. But there’s another reason why this tiny city-state is so famous around the world: it’s the ultimate destination for Formula One drivers.
Every year, the streets of Monaco come alive with the roar of engines as the world’s best drivers compete in one of the most challenging and thrilling races on the F1 calendar. It is also home to many Formula One drivers, past and present, who enjoy its tax benefits, climate, and proximity to other racing venues.
In this article, we’ll delve into the history, culture, and unique challenges of the Monaco Grand Prix to uncover the secrets behind its enduring appeal.
From hairpin turns to high-speed straights, from champagne-fueled parties to the rock-star lifestyle of the drivers, we’ll explore every aspect of this legendary race and reveal why Monaco is truly the jewel in the F1 crown.
Here are some of the reasons why F1 drivers choose to live in Monaco.
The History of the Monaco Grand Prix
The Monaco Grand Prix is one of the oldest and most prestigious races on the Formula One calendar. The first race was held in 1929, and it has been a regular fixture ever since, with the exception of a few years during World War II. The race is held on the streets of Monaco, which are transformed into a high-speed racetrack for the weekend. The circuit is just over two miles long, and features some of the most challenging corners in Formula One.
The Monaco Grand Prix has been won by some of the most iconic drivers in the sport’s history, including Ayrton Senna, Graham Hill, and Michael Schumacher. Many of these drivers have become legends of the sport, and their victories at Monaco have helped to cement their place in the pantheon of Formula One greats.
Despite its long history, the Monaco Grand Prix has remained largely unchanged over the years. The circuit is still one of the most challenging and exciting on the calendar, and it continues to attract the world’s best drivers year after year.
F1 drivers that live in Monaco – Unique Aspects of the Monaco Circuit
The Monaco circuit is unlike any other in Formula One. Its narrow streets and tight corners make it one of the slowest tracks on the calendar, but it is also one of the most challenging. The circuit is lined with barriers, and there is no margin for error. A mistake can mean the end of a driver’s race, or worse.
One of the most famous corners on the circuit is the hairpin turn at the end of the pit straight. This corner is so tight that the cars have to slow down to almost walking pace to navigate it. It is a true test of skill and precision, and it is one of the most exciting moments of the race.
Another unique aspect of the Monaco circuit is the tunnel that runs underneath the Fairmont Hotel. The tunnel is the only one on the Formula One calendar, and it presents a unique challenge for the drivers. The sudden change in light as they emerge from the darkness can be disorienting, and it requires quick reflexes and a steady hand to navigate safely.
Monaco’s Tax Benefits for F1 Drivers
One of the main reasons why so many Formula One drivers choose to live in Monaco is the tax benefits. The principality has no income tax, which means that drivers can save a significant amount of money each year on their earnings. This is especially important for top drivers, who can earn tens of millions of dollars per year.
But the tax benefits are not just limited to income tax. Monaco also has a favorable tax regime for wealthy individuals, which means that drivers can save money on things like property taxes and inheritance taxes. This makes Monaco an attractive option for drivers who want to maximize their earnings and build their wealth over time.
Of course, there are other factors that make Monaco an attractive place to live as well. The city-state is home to some of the world’s most luxurious properties, and it offers a high quality of life for those who can afford it.
For Formula One drivers, who spend much of their time on the road, Monaco is the perfect place to return to between races.
The Allure of the Monaco Lifestyle for F1 Drivers
Monaco is not just a great place to race – it’s also a great place to live. The city-state is famous for its luxury lifestyle, and it attracts some of the world’s wealthiest and most glamorous people. For Formula One drivers, Monaco is the perfect place to call home.
Many of the drivers live in Monaco for the tax benefits. The principality has no income tax, which means that drivers can save millions of dollars each year on their earnings. But it’s not just about the money – Monaco also offers a high quality of life. The weather is warm and sunny, the food is delicious, and the nightlife is legendary.
Monaco is also a great place for drivers to network and build relationships with other people in the industry. The city-state is home to many of the sport’s top teams and sponsors, and there are always events and parties to attend. For drivers looking to build their brand and make connections, Monaco is the perfect place to be.
F1 drivers that live in Monaco – Monaco Has Good Proximity For F1 Drivers
Monaco hosts one of the most prestigious races in the Formula 1 calendar, the Monaco Grand Prix. Living in Monaco allows drivers to be closer to the circuit, reducing commute times and making it more convenient for them to participate in the race and other related events.
Monaco is close to many other European countries and racing circuits, making it easy for F1 drivers to travel to and from their races.
They can also use the Monaco heliport or the nearby Nice airport to fly to other destinations.
Monaco also has excellent infrastructure and security, ensuring a comfortable and safe living environment for F1 drivers.
F1 drivers that live in Monaco – Monaco Has Community And Prestige
Monaco has a large community of F1 drivers and other celebrities, who often socialize and support each other. F1 drivers can also benefit from the prestige and reputation of living in Monaco, which enhances their image and brand value.
F1 Drivers that Live in Monaco – It Has Networking Opportunities
Monaco attracts a wealthy and influential international community.
Living in Monaco enables F1 drivers to connect with.
- Sponsors
- Team Owners
- Other Professionals In The Motorsport Industry
- High-Net-Worth Individuals Who Attend Events And Gatherings In The Principality.
This can be beneficial for their careers and personal networks.
F1 drivers that live in Monaco – Training facilities and Infrastructure
Monaco provides excellent training facilities and infrastructure for F1 drivers.
The proximity to the Mediterranean Sea offers opportunities for water-based training, and the region has various sports facilities, gyms, and specialized training centers catering to the needs of professional athletes.
F1 drivers that live in Monaco
Some of the F1 drivers who have lived or currently live in Monaco are:
F1 drivers that live in Monaco – Sergio Perez
Sergio Perez, the Red Bull driver, lives in the Principality, and last season he won his first Monaco Grand Prix.
F1 Drivers That live in Monaco – Valtteri Bottas
Valtteri Bottas the Finnish driver, who currently races for Alfa Romeo, lives in Port Hercule.
He is an avid cyclist, he like many others in the Principality such as Mark Webber, make the most of the mountainous local roads and can be seen cycling on the Haute, Moyenne or Basse Corniche, which leads you all the way to Nice.
Bottas also competed in the maiden edition of the Beking event in 2021.
F1 drivers that live in Monaco – Alex Albon Lives In Monaco
Alex Albon, the Williams driver, who has British and Thai nationality, lives very close to the paddock during the time of the Monaco Grand Prix.
He splits his time between the team headquarter in the UK and Monaco.
Albon stated financial reasons as a motive, joking with his teammate that he wants “to keep his money”.
F1 drivers that live in Monaco – Nyck De Vries Lives In Monaco
The Dutch driver Nyck De Vries races with Alpha Tauri in 2023.
He likes the communal element of living in Monaco. “I think it is a very sporty community. It is very international and welcoming.
F1 drivers that live in Monaco – Lewis Hamilton Lives In Monaco
Lewis Hamilton The seven-time world champion and Mercedes driver moved to Monaco in 2012 from Switzerland.
He is one of the highest-paid athletes in the world and saves millions of euros by living in Monaco. He also likes the privacy and freedom that Monaco offers, as well as its nightlife and restaurants.
Nico Hülkenberg Lives In Monaco
Nico Hülkenberg lives in Monaca for the beauty of the local area. Another reason is his reported pre-race ritual.
Hulkenberg likes to sleep at home the night before a race, and living in the Monaco allows him to do that on the eve of the Monaco Grand Prix.
F1 Drivers That live in Monaco – Charles Leclerc
Charles Leclerc, the lead driver was born and raised in Monaco, and still lives there with his family. He considers Monaco his home and loves its atmosphere and history.
F1 Drivers That live in Monaco – Lando Norris
Norris, the McLaren driver revealed his move to the Principality in December 2021, citing financial reasons as well as following the crowd. He is entering his fifth season in Formula 1.
F1 Drivers That live in Monaco – George Russell (This is not confirmed)
Russell has moved to Monaco. He wanted stability for himself by having everything at home so he can give it absolutely everything I’ve got on the racing.
F1 Drivers That live in Monaco – Daniel Ricciardo
Daniel Ricciardo moved to Monaco in 2013 from Australia.
He is known for his cheerful and outgoing personality and enjoys the convenience and diversity of Monaco. He also likes the natural beauty and views of Monaco, and often goes cycling or hiking around the area.
F1 Drivers That live in Monaco – Nico Rosberg
The 2016 world champion and former Mercedes driver was born in Germany but grew up in Monaco.
He retired from F1 in 2016 and still lives in Monaco with his wife and children. He is involved in various environmental and social projects in Monaco, such as promoting electric mobility and supporting education initiatives.
Max Verstappen Lives In Monaco
Two times world champion and Red Bull driver Max Verstappen, has been living in Monaco since October 2015, and currently resides in Fontvieille.
Ayrton Senna Lived In Monaco
The legendary Brazilian driver lived in Monaco from 1984 until his death in 1994. He won the Monaco Grand Prix six times, more than any other driver. He loved the challenge and thrill of racing in Monaco, as well as its elegance and charm.
Conclusion
There is no requirement for F1 drivers to live in Monaco. The principality offers many financial, lifestyle and logistic benefits to F1 drivers that presents a compelling case.
New drivers or those who have recently moved to the sport may also choose to relocate to Monaco for these reasons. Ultimately, it’s up to the individual driver to decide where they want to live and train.