The Monaco Grand Prix 2026 returns to Monte Carlo on 5–7 June for a three-day spectacle that blends motorsport heritage, technical mastery and Riviera elegance. As Formula 1’s most storied street race and the eighth round of the 2026 season, Monaco remains the benchmark for precision driving and premium race-day hospitality.

Key facts at a glance

• Dates: Friday 5 June – Sunday 7 June 2026 (with ancillary activity likely from Thursday 4 June)
• Location: Circuit de Monaco, Monte Carlo, Monaco
• Race start time: Sunday at 15:00 CEST
• Race distance: 78 laps of the Monaco street circuit
• Place in season: Eighth round of the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship
• Support series: Formula 2, Formula 3 and Porsche Supercup
• Format: Friday practice, Saturday FP3 and Qualifying, Sunday Grand Prix
• What’s new for 2026: Fresh technical and power-unit regulations using 100% sustainable fuel
• Why it matters: The most glamorous and historic race on the calendar; qualifying is often decisive

Monaco 2026 in context: new rules, same prestige

Monaco’s unique challenge meets a pivotal year for Formula 1. The 2026 season ushers in a new generation of cars and power units designed to run on 100% sustainable fuel, a significant step in the sport’s long-term technology roadmap. Set between the Canadian and Spanish Grands Prix, this edition will be an early test of how teams balance efficiency, energy deployment and low-speed mechanical grip on the championship’s tightest track.

Weekend schedule and what to expect

While local festivities often start on the Thursday, the core F1 programme runs Friday to Sunday:

• Friday 5 June: Free Practice 1 and Free Practice 2. Expect heavy focus on ride height, steering lock and traction mapping as teams tune cars to cope with Monaco’s cambers, bumps and barriers.
• Saturday 6 June: Free Practice 3 in the morning, followed by the all-important Qualifying session. Track position is king in Monaco; pole can be half the victory.
• Sunday 7 June: Drivers’ Parade, a packed support bill, then lights out at 15:00 CEST for 78 laps of high-concentration racing.

Across the weekend, you’ll also see Formula 2, Formula 3 and Porsche Supercup on track, with sprint content typically featuring on Saturday and additional races woven around the F1 sessions.

Why Monaco is different: circuit characteristics and strategy

At 3.3 km of walled streets, the Circuit de Monaco rewards precision and confidence over outright power. The lap links landmarks—Sainte-Dévote, Casino Square, Mirabeau, the Hairpin, Portier, the Tunnel, Nouvelle Chicane, Tabac, the Swimming Pool and Rascasse—each a test of commitment. Margins are measured in millimetres; mistakes are rarely forgiven.

Strategically, Monaco compresses options. Overtaking is scarce, so Qualifying carries unusual weight. Undercuts can work, yet traffic management, well-timed pit windows, Virtual Safety Cars and tyre preservation often decide outcomes. With the 2026 ruleset, energy recovery and deployment profiles at low speed may create new nuances—especially out of Portier and the Nouvelle Chicane—where traction and stability determine both lap time and tyre life.

Support races and race-day atmosphere

The support package is a compelling snapshot of motorsport’s pyramid. Formula 2 and Formula 3 showcase future F1 contenders wrestling the same bends, while Porsche Supercup delivers close racing on a knife-edge track. Sunday’s build-up includes the traditional Drivers’ Parade and the closing Podium Ceremony—photogenic moments that frame an already singular setting.

Choosing where to watch: grandstands, terraces and yachts

Monaco offers an unusually broad set of vantage points for a street race. Your choice will shape the experience:

• Grandstands: From the harbour-side swimming pool complex to tight sequences at Rascasse and the Nouvelle Chicane, grandstands provide defined sightlines and an authentic trackside feel.
• Private terraces and suites: Apartment balconies and hospitality lounges around Casino Square, Mirabeau and the Harbour offer elevated views, premium catering and comfortable facilities—ideal for corporate hosting or a refined day out.
• Trackside yachts: Moored in Port Hercule, yacht hospitality pairs close-up action at the Swimming Pool and Tabac with a unique Monaco ambience. Expect a social setting, curated menus and attentive service.

For inclusions, hosting standards and curated experiences, explore our Monaco Grand Prix hospitality package.

Planning your trip: practical guidance

• Getting there: Nice Côte d’Azur Airport is the primary international gateway (c. 30 km). Transfers by road, rail from Nice-Ville to Monaco–Monte-Carlo, or helicopter to the principality are straightforward; book early in Grand Prix week.
• Moving around: Monaco is walkable but hilly; allow extra time to navigate security checkpoints and pedestrianised sections. Comfortable footwear is advisable even for hospitality guests.
• Accommodation: Rooms across Monaco and the Côte d’Azur sell out months ahead. Consider Nice or Cap-d’Ail for additional inventory and rail links.
• Dress code: Smart-casual is typical for hospitality. Grandstands are informal, though sun protection and layers help—sea breezes can cool otherwise warm afternoons.
• Weather: Early June is Mediterranean—often 18–26°C, with strong sunlight. Hydration, sunscreen and occasional ear protection enhance comfort.
• Timing: Aim to be at your seat well before sessions; crowd flows and temporary road closures can extend walking times.

How to make the most of Monaco

• Prioritise Saturday: Qualifying is arguably the weekend’s defining session; consider premium views where drivers flirt with the limit—Swimming Pool, Rascasse or the exit of the Tunnel.
• Embrace the support bill: F2, F3 and Porsche Supercup deliver abundant track time and an excellent way to scout lines, braking points and overtaking attempts ahead of F1 sessions.
• Balance vantage and amenities: Elevated terraces and suites offer broader sightlines and hospitality services; harbour viewpoints provide proximity and atmosphere—choose according to your priorities.
• Book early: Demand for premium seats and hospitality is highest of the year; securing your place early maximises choice and logistics.

FAQs: Monaco Grand Prix 2026