The 2024 Monaco Grand Prix Recap: A Glimpse into F1's Most Glamorous Weekend
The vibrant yellow and green design, inspired by Senna's iconic racing helmet.
The Monaco Grand Prix.
A jewel in the crown of the Formula 1 calendar, has long been regarded as a pinnacle of motor racing.
Held annually on the Circuit de Monaco, this race is synonymous with glamour, prestige, and the formidable challenges posed by its narrow, winding streets.
And in 2024, the event celebrated its 81st anniversary, continuing its legacy as a highlight of the motorsport season.
So how the fk did I end up here…?
As a McLaren, I was aware that the team was preparing a tribute to honour Mr Ayrton Senna who won this prestigious race six times throughout his race career. In tribute to Senna, McLaren were preparing their MCL38 race car with a one-off livery for the Monaco Grand Prix.
With such legacy being celebrated and 100 million viewers tuning in from around the world,
we knew we were in for a true spectacle of a weekend in the world of motorsports.
When I approached my friends with the idea of attending the Monaco GP, we were excited by the opportunity to gain some quality content from the streets of Monaco, a simple grandstand pass, and one fancy dining option.
Little did we know, fate had a far more exhilarating plan in store for us…
Monaco, officially the Principality of Monaco, is the world's second-smallest country after the Vatican, located on the French Riviera on the Mediterranean Sea.
Day 1 - Wednesday 22nd May
My Monaco adventure began with a gloomy 4am wake-up in rainy England, followed by a crowded National Express bus journey from London to Luton.
What a start!
Before I knew it, I was boarding my EasyJet flight to delightful Geneva.
Now, let me inform you that Nice (the closest airport to my final destination) is only a two-hour direct flight.
However, in an attempt to save a few pennies, I opted for a full day of travel via Geneva 🙄
Note to self: pay the extra and avoid the hassle.
You'll thank yourself when you're not stuck in security lines and could instead be four rosés deep under the Mediterranean sun.
And that was precisely what the rest of the team was doing, having arrived in Nice much earlier than my sorry self.
Naturally, once I finally touched down and inhaled the sea air, I jumped on the first bus up to Monaco to meet the rest of the Compound team, who had just finished shooting content... on a yacht.
I later found them grounded in the pit lanes, opposite the garages and flurry of mechanics for stars like Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen.
Kid’s in a candy store’s.
Eyes wide open in awe of the scale of what was happening around me all in a last minute hurry for day one of racing to commence on Thursday.
It was a humbling and indescribable feeling walking along THE track, THE streets of Monaco and feeling the history, prestige and power of such an iconic event, that in all honesty, i wasn't so aware of before.
I was utterly blown away by the scale and intricacy involved and not to mention, dotted with hundreds of enormous, multimillion-dollar celebrity yachts, each decked out with the latest gadgets and luxurious amenities, painting a picture of unparalleled luxury that IS Monaco.
Intrinsically insane.
The tiny principality is known for its opulent lifestyle, ultra-wealthy residents, and grandiose events, all packed into a very small, densely populated area. This juxtaposition of luxury, high-density living, and the extreme wealth concentrated in such a compact space can only be described as "intrinsically insane".
As we navigated our way out of the buzz of activity, the team and I decided it was time for an early night to prepare for the whirlwind that was about to come.
The glamorous transport continues…
Usually, the journey from Monaco to Nice takes approximately 30 minutes by train or 50 minutes by bus. Here’s a hot tip for your race weekend travel: avoid the buses out of Monaco, especially around peak times of 5pm.
Naively caught in our F1 bubble, we forgot that the rest of the world still works and commutes at normal hours.
All you need to know is that it took us almost 2.5 hours to get back to Nice, crammed onto a tiny bus with local French people who were not pleased about the influx of Brits to their towns – whoops.
Compound Footwear, founded Alex Witty, transforms motorsport industry waste into sustainable, high-end footwear.
By repurposing tyres, they set a new standard where style meets sustainability.
Their approach extends beyond design, focusing on reducing virgin material use and promoting circular production.
Each pair of Compound shoes embodies innovation, community, and responsibility, reshaping fashion and motorsport one step at a time.Day 2 - Thursday 23rd May
Today started in typical French fashion with a trip to the boulangerie conveniently located in the building underneath our apartment to fuel up on ‘croissants et café’.
Man, I love Mediterranean living. This was my first time in the south of France and I have always had a fascination with French culture, but it was a sweet to see the two worlds collide along the Côte d'Azur.
A typical Grand Prix weekend kicks off on a Thursday, with pit lane walks, fan meet and greets, and support races from the Formula 2 and GP3 drivers.
The opportunity to attend in the lead-up to ‘the big day’ on a Sunday, offers fans a unique opportunity to get up close with the cars and teams as they gear up for the races, snag an autograph or hear the roar of a race car even if they are unable to be there for the main event.
So we did just that.
Once back in Monaco, we collected our one-day ground pass and ventured through the streets of Monaco to find the grandstand that overlooks the marina and the display of yachts that call it home.
One by one, the Formula 3 drivers passed in the blink of an eye, whilst Alex, Lucy, Fergus, and I snapped away for Compound Content. However, those yachts were staring us down and we were determined to make our way onto the other side of the track where the real party starts.
Now, this is where it starts to get really interesting. When I tell you it's who you know, not what you know—this couldn't be a more prominent example.
Thanks to the connection of our friends Lucy and Alex with the exceptionally generous Alison MacKintosh, the Director of Communications & Sponsorship at ImpulseF1, within an hour, we were invited to board the ANYA to experience the Monaco GP from an angle most can only dream of.
Escorted via red carpet from the racetrack to the deck of a multi-million dollar yacht was beyond belief in itself.
But then the jazz music from the live band on board next door and the rosé was gestured towards our appreciative hands and I was asking to be pinched in disbelief.
It is hard to put into words how surreal of an experience this was to have been sitting in the grandstands moments before to now be reflecting back out, looking across at all the boats and the bands and high-profile, designer fashion surrounding us.
Life had become a movie.
The magic continued as the moon reflected back the glitz and glam of below whilst we mingled and moved with the incredibly friendly and welcoming boat crew and staff who too were just, simply, happy to be there.
Travelling from London to Monaco: To travel from London to Nice, book a direct flight, which typically lasts around two hours. Once in Nice, the best way to continue to Monaco is by train. Hop on the regional TER service from Nice Ville station to Monaco-Monte Carlo station; the journey is quick, scenic, and only about 20 minutes long. Trains depart frequently, offering a smooth and picturesque route along the French Riviera.
Day 3 - Friday 24th May
Well, we must have made a good impression because we had been invited back for another day onboard ANYA to shoot some serious Compound content against the backdrop of the ‘big boys’ in action.
A typical Grand Prix weekend ramps up on Friday, which is often filled with the excitement of practice sessions and the crucial qualifying rounds.
Qualifying in Monaco holds particular importance due to the circuit’s narrow and winding streets, making overtaking exceptionally challenging during the race.
Achieving a good starting position on Saturday is often seen as key to success in Sunday's race.
Thursday also gives fans the chance to see the Formula 1 teams fine-tune their strategies and set their pace for the qualifying sessions and experience the intensity of it all as the drivers and their teams as they push the limits of their cars on the track.
Therefore, the yachts are typically moved to ensure a safety buffer between them and the race track to protect both the spectators on the yachts and the drivers on the track. So once back in Monaco, we were instructed to meet the porter at a different harbour to be chauffeured back to ANYA in time for qualifying to begin.
The walk from Monaco station to the harbour, although challenging in heels and a long dress, was a stunning insight into the rich architecture and multitude of layers that make up this principality and make Monaco so unique.
Then, in true James Bond style, we were whisked away onto our private speed boat back to ANYA to meet the guests and team.
The vast blue expanse of the Mediterranean Sea provided one of the most spectacular views as we drove through the open waters.
Surrounded by million-dollar boats, yachts, jet skis, and seaside mansions, the scenery was truly breathtaking.
Whilst Alex presented his Compound prototype to the guests on board, we soon entered into THE Monaco harbour.
I have a neck ache just from thinking about the angle I had to gaze to observe the sheer scale of the incredible beats of a boat, bumper to bumper, in harmonious prestige.
Once back on board, we were ever so kindly treated to a delicious lunch of caviar and egg sandwiches, ceviche and salad before heading up to the top level to watch the main attraction.
ANYA was situated right at the chicane of the race track, offering a prime vantage point for race watchers as it allows spectators to witness up close the drivers' precision and skill in navigating one of the most complex and technically demanding parts of the circuit.
One by one, Charles, Oscar, Lando, Max, Lewis, George, and Carlos flashed before my very own eyes.
And so naturally, I did what any other proud daughter from an F1-loving family does and FaceTimed my very jealous family watching the race live from Australia.
It was, yet another, wake-up moment that this is REAL life.
So many watch these races on TV every weekend, year in and out, and all of a sudden, we are on the TV where history and modernity meet to watch these incredibly talented drivers beat the clock on the infamous streets of Monaco.
With lots of exceptional Compound content created and connections crafted, we were whisked back through the harbour and into the setting skies over the Mediterranean sea.
A very, very special day.
Did you know?
The Monaco Harbour during the Grand Prix weekend becomes a dazzling display of luxury, with some of the world's most extravagant yachts anchored side by side.
These yachts can vary greatly in size, ranging from impressive 30-metre vessels to colossal 100-metre mega-yachts.
The cost of these floating palaces can be astronomical, with prices stretching from several million to over 300 million USD depending on their size and amenities.
During the Grand Prix, the cost to berth a yacht in Monaco Harbour can reach up to $100,000 for the week, making it a playground for the wealthy and a spectacular scene for spectators.
Day 4 - Saturday 25th May
Today started a little slower, with some time to explore the charming city of Nice.
If you’re looking to keep active or just an opportunity to move your body while in Nice, why not join me and the many locals and tourists walking, jogging, or cycling along the Promenade des Anglais, particularly in the early morning or evening when the temperatures are cooler?
This iconic seaside promenade stretches for about 7 kilometres (4.3 miles) along the Mediterranean coastline, offering stunning views of the azure sea, pebbled beaches, and palm-lined paths that lead you in and out of the city centre itself.
And of course, life is all about balance, so it was time to head back into Monaco to check out its glittering nightlife.
We started our evening with a cocktail stop at the infamous La Rascasse. This iconic bar and nightclub is not just a hotspot for Formula 1 fans but also a prime location for people-watching and possibly spotting F1 drivers (as we did – hey, Charles!).
Named after the famous Rascasse corner of the Monaco race track, the venue sits right at the edge of the circuit, offering unparalleled views of the action. Securing a spot on the balcony during race days is electric, with live music, DJ sets, crazy fans, and an incredible feel-good energy all around.
But as luck would have it, we soon found ourselves back on board ANYA with the vibrant crew, fun-filled guests, and yes, celebrities, dancing the night away.
Once again, how is this real life?!
A very, very lucky bunch who were so grateful to be there each and every time.
Day 5 - Sunday 26th May - Race Day
You know what day it is…?
Much like Christmas morning for many young ones, today was the day they had been waiting for, and Santa looked a lot like a fleet of roaring Formula 1 cars ready to take on the Circuit de Monaco.
We may have soaked up the evening with all our might, and whilst what happens in Monaco stays in Monaco, another piece of advice if you’re planning a night out in Monaco but staying in Nice is this: figure out how on earth you’re planning to get home. The trains stop, and taxis will charge you a month's salary—welcome to Monaco, baby.
Much like the bus situation, with 200,000 spectators visiting the second smallest country in the world, transport is bound to be under immense pressure.
The last train from Monaco—Monte-Carlo to Nice Ville typically departs at 23:19; however, many times we found ourselves shoulder to shoulder, not only on the train but on the platform too, squished against others with the same idea.
It was far from pleasant and, frankly, leaves you feeling flustered after a day of joy.
Think ahead or pre-book your taxis. :)
For Lucy, Alex, and me, we watched from afar whilst Fergus hiked his way back to Monaco and ANYA for a day of shooting with the ImpulseF1 crew—lucky boy!
Full Podium Recap: 2024 Monaco Grand Prix
The 2024 Monaco Grand Prix saw an exhilarating race, with Charles Leclerc from Ferrari taking first place, thrilling his home crowd with a masterful display.
Second place was clinched by Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing, who put up a strong fight throughout the race.
Rounding out the podium, Australian driver Oscar Piastri finished third, representing McLaren, and marking a significant achievement in his rookie season.However, with the home race for the Monégasque himself, Mr Charles Leclerc, and a podium for my fellow Aussie, Oscar Piastri, we simply couldn’t resist one final trip to the Principality—sporting Compound fits, of course.
The energy in Monaco was electric as we rejoined the celebrations, walking along the track and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of the small but mighty trackside DJ sets and parties, and the smiles of people from all around the world.
Final Reflections: Woah.
Roaring engines and cheers, clinking of champagne glasses, celebrities and fashion. The Monaco Grand Prix wasn’t just a celebration of motorsport—it was a showcase of the lavish lifestyle that so seamlessly accompanies it.
As one of the most exclusive events in the sporting world, Monaco delivered an experience beyond anything I could have imagined.
Massive congratulations are in order for Oscar Piastri, who proudly represented Australia, and for Charles Leclerc, who shone spectacularly in front of his home crowd.
This unforgettable weekend wouldn’t have been possible without the exceptional hospitality of Alison MacKintosh from ImpulseF1 and the incredible staff and crew on board the ANYA.
A huge thank you to my fellow Compound crew, who made this incredible tip journey even more special: Lucy, our model and connector; Alex, the founder and CEO of Compound Footwear; and Fergus, the talented videographer and photographer behind the lense - @fergus.films.
Have an idea, make a plan, and go for it—you never know where it might take you.
Anything is possible.
Vroom-vroom.
Check out more stunning shots from the weekend captured by Fergus Films.
Experience the Monaco Grand Prix in Style with ImpulseF1:
If you're planning to attend the Monaco Grand Prix and want to experience it in unrivalled luxury, consider booking with ImpulseF1.
Enjoy exclusive access to premium viewing locations, top-tier hospitality, and gourmet dining. 