There are three forms of Method 1 followers. There’s the die-hard fanatic that loves studying the whole lot in regards to the sport, drilling down into the wonderful technical particulars of how every aspect of the automobiles work, and sitting along side a monitor (come rain or shine) watching drivers whizz previous them.
Then there’s the informal fan. That is normally somebody who’ll be completely satisfied to observe a Grand Prix on TV now and again, however who isn’t within the trivialities 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 capability 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 every other, however they’re all essential components of the Method 1 ecosystem they usually assist to make the game what it’s in the present day. Nevertheless, sure teams of followers will usually recognize totally different Grands Prix greater than others.
For instance, a die-hard fan is extra prone to recognize 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 will probably be far more interested in Monte-Carlo.
Being a singular race, the Monaco Grand Prix has at all times 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 places in F1?
“Half a World Championship”
Monaco is a singular monitor on the fashionable F1 calendar. It’s shorter than the opposite circuits, it is usually narrower, twistier, and logistically tougher 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 in the present day.
The distinctive problem that this circuit presents to drivers has to guide many to say that profitable the Monaco Grand Prix is the equal of half a world Championship. Additionally it is 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 remains to be one of many most-watched races. Additionally it is one of the crucial 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 will probably be a security automobile. Due to this reputation, many bookmakers additionally run further 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 lots 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, specifically, 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 develop into a preferred location for rich and well-connected followers to observe the race from in type.
Different venues, such because the Circuit Of The Americas in Austin, Texas, have additionally develop 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 large 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, similar to attracting well-known company, Monaco has the complete bundle.