The early years of the Monaco Grand Prix
The Monaco Grand Prix, now a symbol of prestige and glamour in the world of Formula 1, had a beginning marked by challenges, technical innovations, and legendary drivers. Between resounding victories, interruptions due to war, and the evolution of motorsport, the early years of this iconic race laid the foundation for a fascinating history.
The first triumphs: the Bugatti era
The Bugatti Type 35: the icon of the early years
When the first Monaco Grand Prix took place on April 14, 1929, one car quickly established itself as the queen of Monte-Carlo’s winding streets: the Bugatti Type 35. Unveiled in 1924 at the Lyon Grand Prix, this single-seater was an engineering masterpiece, equipped with a supercharger that gave it outstanding performance.
It was British driver William Grover-Williams, known as Williams, who won the inaugural edition behind the wheel of a Bugatti 35B. The following year, in 1930, Bugatti triumphed once again, confirming its dominance on the Monaco circuit. This model became so iconic that, to celebrate its 60th anniversary in 1984, the Automobile Club de Monaco (ACM) organized a commemorative race exclusively for Bugatti cars— a powerful tribute to the brand’s legacy.
The rise of the Silver Arrows: Mercedes takes control
Mercedes and the rise of the single-seaters
The 1930s marked the arrival of another automotive giant on the streets of Monaco: Mercedes-Benz. Introduced in 1934, the legendary Silver Arrows revolutionized racing with their power and aerodynamics. Between 1935 and 1937, Mercedes secured three consecutive victories, establishing itself as the dominant force before World War II.
At the same time, the British manufacturer ERA (English Racing Automobiles) made a name for itself. In 1936, ERA swept the podium during the first Prince Rainier Cup, showcasing the competitiveness of European constructors at the time. ERA would later return to the starting grid in 1950, competing in the very first Monaco Grand Prix to count towards the official Formula 1 World Championship.
The war interruption and Monaco’s resilience
World War II: a forced pause
Like many international sporting events, the Monaco Grand Prix was suspended in 1938 due to rising tensions in Europe. The urban circuit, usually filled with the roar of racing engines, fell silent for nearly a decade.
On November 8, 1940, amid the war, Alexandre Noghès stepped down as president of the Automobile Club de Monaco after 31 years of dedicated service. He was succeeded by his son, Antony Noghès, the visionary behind the Monaco Grand Prix. In a time marked by war, vehicles were requisitioned, forcing some club members to resort to bicycles, a nostalgic nod to the club’s cycling roots.
Alexandre Noghès passed away in 1944 at the age of 79, leaving behind a lasting legacy in Monaco’s motorsport history.
The return to competition: the rebirth of the grand prix
The roar of engines returns
After nearly ten years of interruption, Monaco finally reconnected with motor racing on May 16, 1948. The roar of engines once again echoed through the streets of the Principality, reigniting the passion of fans and drivers alike. However, this revival was short-lived—the 1949 edition was canceled following the death of Prince Louis II on May 9, marking another symbolic pause for the Grand Prix.
The Monaco Grand Prix enters the Formula 1 era
On May 21, 1950, the Monaco Grand Prix took a historic step forward by becoming the second round of the very first World Championship for Drivers, now known as Formula 1. This landmark edition was won by the legendary Juan Manuel Fangio at the wheel of his Alfa Romeo, a name that would become synonymous with excellence in the world of racing.
From challenges to glory: the evolution of the Monaco Grand Prix
A detour before ultimate recognition
In 1952, the Monaco Grand Prix took a temporary detour: instead of featuring Formula 2 cars, like the rest of the World Championship, the race was exclusively reserved for sports cars. This unexpected decision reflected the organizers’ determination to keep the event alive, even outside international standards.
It wasn’t until 1955 that the Monaco Grand Prix returned to its rightful place. Maurice Trintignant became the first French driver to win in Monaco, securing victory in his Ferrari after both Mercedes W196s, driven by Stirling Mossand Juan Manuel Fangio, were forced to retire.
From that moment on, Monaco remained a permanent fixture in the Formula 1 calendar, with the sole exception of 2020, when the event was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The race quickly established itself as one of the most prestigious in the championship, attracting the greatest drivers and serving as the stage for some of F1’s most legendary moments.
The Monaco Grand Prix: a legend in the making
The early years of the Monaco Grand Prix tell a story of passion, resilience, and organizational genius. From the dominance of Bugatti to the era of the Silver Arrows, through the interruptions of war and the post-war revival, each edition has helped shape the legend of Monaco.
Even today, this iconic race continues to embody the spirit of challenge and innovation that gave birth to it nearly a century ago.
