There are three kinds of Formulation 1 followers. There’s the die-hard fanatic that loves studying every thing in regards to the sport, drilling down into the effective technical particulars of how every component of the vehicles work, and sitting along side a monitor (come rain or shine) watching drivers whizz previous them.
Then there’s the informal fan. That is often somebody who’ll be completely satisfied to look at a Grand Prix on TV once in a while, however who isn’t within the trivia of race technique or understanding the best way aerodynamics channel air over the automobile.
The opposite class of F1 fan is the one which loves the game due to its unique picture and its means to draw sports activities legends, film stars, royalty, and different A-list celebrities.
None of those followers are higher or extra essential for the game than some other, however they’re all essential components of the Formulation 1 ecosystem and so they assist to make the game what it’s right now. Nonetheless, sure teams of followers will usually admire completely different Grands Prix greater than others.
For instance, a die-hard fan is extra more likely to admire the historical past of the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps or the complexity of the Maggots-Becketts sequence at Silverstone. Equally, the F1 followers that love the glamour of the game shall be rather more drawn to Monte-Carlo.
Being a novel race, the Monaco Grand Prix has all the time been an occasion that’s as a lot a gathering of the wealthy and well-known as it’s a motor race. However with new venues being added to the calendar on a regular basis, is the principality shedding its monopoly on glamorous areas in F1?
“Half a World Championship”
Monaco is a novel monitor on the trendy F1 calendar. It’s shorter than the opposite circuits, additionally it is narrower, twistier, and logistically harder for groups. It has the tightest nook on the calendar and is the one race the place the motive force’s race is parallel to the Mediterranean Sea.
It was even stranger when it first hosted races within the early twentieth century as this was a time when circuits have been between 5 and ten occasions so long as they’re right now.
The distinctive problem that this circuit presents to drivers has to guide many to say that successful the Monaco Grand Prix is the equal of half a world Championship. It’s also for that reason {that a} win in Monte Carlo accounts for one prong on the triple crown of motorsport.
This standing is why the Monaco Grand Prix continues to be one of many most-watched races. It’s also one of the vital wager on races, with many followers selecting to make wagers on who will get pole place or on in-race occasions like whether or not there shall be a security automobile. Due to this reputation, many bookmakers additionally run additional free wager promotions throughout the weekend of the race.
Not Alone Anymore
Monaco doesn’t have a monopoly on attracting the wealthy, well-known, and highly effective anymore. Whereas royalty could current trophies to the drivers after the race in Monte Carlo, we’ve seen British royals on the grid in Silverstone and much more royalty whereas within the Center East.
The glamorous mid-race events in flats and yachts are legendary in Monaco, with most of the world’s super-rich descending on the principality. However Grands Prix in Singapore and Azerbaijan have proven that Monte Carlo isn’t the one place that may host a race round a metropolis.
Singapore, particularly, has confirmed to be able to attracting the wealthy and the well-known. Town’s iconic Marina Bay Sands resort, with its distinctive boat-shaped SkyPark, has turn into a well-liked location for rich and well-connected followers to look at the race from in type.
Different venues, such because the Circuit Of The Americas in Austin, Texas, have additionally turn into a calendar spotlight. Whereas not providing a spot to park a superyacht or an unique viewing platform 207 meters within the air, the Texan circuit is a big draw for celebrities together with Billy Joel, Bruno Mars, Taylor Swift, and Britney Spears.
Regardless of this, the historical past and custom surrounding Monaco nonetheless assist it to maintain a few of its edges as probably the most unique, luxurious, and prestigious Grand Prix on the F1 calendar. Whereas different tracks could excel in a single specific space, resembling attracting well-known friends, Monaco has the total bundle.