The 2020 Monaco Grand Prix looks to be an incredibly exciting event for F1 fans, but if you want to make the most of your trip, you’ll need to come up with a plan in advance. Since 1929, the Monaco Grand Prix has been a staple of the F1 racing circuit, and one of the most prestigious races in the world. Accordingly, it attracts tens of thousands of fans to a country with a population of less than 40,000 to begin with.
Ideally, you’ll plan your trip as inexpensively as possible, while maximizing your enjoyment of the Grand Prix events—and also allowing you to explore the country of Monaco.
Understand the Lineup of Events at the 2020 Monaco Grand Prix
First, understand the traditional lineup of the Monaco Grand Prix. As per tradition, the Monaco Grand Prix is a three-day event, taking place the last weekend in May (or in the case of 2020, the second-to-last weekend). Unlike most Grand Prix events, Monaco hosts events on Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday, shutting down on Friday to keep the roads open to the public.
On Thursday is a series of practice sessions, where spectators like you will watch their favorite drivers get a feel for the track and make adjustments to their vehicles (along with their teams). On Saturday, there will be a qualifying event. Drivers will participate in an elimination-style event, with the slowest driver eliminated every 90 seconds until only 2 drivers remain. Then, these final drivers will go head-to-head in a contest to determine pole position. On Sunday, the final race will be held, and a victor will be declared.
You’ll want to attend each of these unique events, to immerse yourself in the Grand Prix and to see your favorite drivers as they get used to the track conditions (and other drivers). Each day will add something unique to your experience.
Purchase a Travel Package for the 2020 Monaco Grand Prix
Enjoying the race is the easy part. Before you can do that, you’ll need to manage all the logistics of your trip, and plan a budget for the weekend. Fortunately, there’s an easy way for you to both reduce your expenses and simplify your travel itinerary: purchase a package deal.
Travel packages vary in what they offer and how much they cost, but they generally include some combination of the following:
- Airfare. Airfare is pretty standard, but you might be able to get a discount if you buy it as part of a bigger package.
- Transportation between the airport and hotel. Make sure you have a reliable way to get from the airport to your hotel.
- Hotel accommodations. Don’t be afraid to splurge on a luxury hotel, especially if you can get a discount by buying it as part of a package; it can add a lot to your stay.
- Race tickets. Obviously, you can’t forget the race tickets themselves. Generally, Grand Prix tickets are sold as a weekend set, permitting you access to events Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday.
- Transportation to the track. Be prepared with a way to get to the track on race day—your travel package may have options for you here.
- Discounts and other perks. See if your travel package has discounts at stores, or other perks to enhance your trip even further. You may be able to find a package that allows you to explore the country of Monaco, or one with cheap options for food and drinks during your stay.
The Grand Prix Club, Inc. is a licensed USA-based tour operator that offers some of the most valuable and complete Grand Prix tour packages for F1 fans in the United States. Make sure to browse our selection of Grand Prix travel packages for the best deals!
Pack and Prepare
In addition to the typical items you’d pack for a vacation (i.e., clothes, toiletries, etc.), you’ll need to consider bringing a few extra items for the Grand Prix itself. Namely, you’ll want to bring an umbrella in case of rain, a phone or camera so you can take photos, extra batteries or charging stations, sunscreen, and earplugs. You’ll also want to check the item restrictions of the racetrack before departing; depending on the day, you may or may not be allowed to bring your own food or drinks to the racetrack.
Know How to Get Around
Monaco is a small country, which makes it easy to navigate (for the most part). It’s possible to rent a car, but you probably won’t need one—and besides, the streets are usually extremely busy, meaning you’ll be dealing with traffic the entire time. Instead, consider walking to most of your destinations; the elevation changes in Monaco can be tough to deal with, but public lifts can assist you. In the meantime, you can purchase a bus pass and rely on Monaco’s excellent public transportation system.
Arrive Early and Choose Your Seats
For practice and qualifying, your tickets may be general admission, meaning the seats are first-come, first-served. Accordingly, you’ll want to arrive to the track early and scout out the best possible seats for the event. There are no “bad” seats at the Monaco Grand Prix, but you may personally prefer some over others. Feel free to experiment with different locations and angles, and stick to the ones you like best.
See Monaco (and Possibly France)
While the Grand Prix will undoubtedly be the highlight of your trip, you should know that Monaco has a lot to offer on its own. Between events, especially on Friday, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the country. Take in the sights of the Mediterranean see, explore some of Monaco’s famous gardens, and visit the local shops that give the country such a unique, local feel. Plus, France is incredibly close by, so you may be able to spend a day or two in yet another popular European country.
If you’re ready to start planning your trip to Monaco, be sure to check out our 2020 Monaco Grand Prix tickets and travel packages. Book your trip today, or contact us to learn more about how to make the most of your 2020 Grand Prix experience!