Automobile racing has been a popular entertainment since the 1800’s. The first Formula One race took place in 1950, since then significantly growing into what it is today. There are a total of 19 Formula One Grand Prix races occurring in 2015, all over the world. While this number may seem high, every race offers a unique, matchless experience.
The Monaco Grand Prix is often referred to as, not only F1’s, but the world’s most glamorous and prestigious automobile race. Alongside the Indianapolis 500 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the three races form the Triple Crown of Motorsports, an unofficial motorsport accomplishment achieved by victory in all three. Each year, The Monaco Grand Prix is held on the Circuit de Monaco. The Circuit de Monaco navigates the streets of Monaco, famous for narrow roads, sharp corners, and fluctuating elevation, making it one of the most difficult courses in Formula One.
The race spans the course of four thrilling days full of crashes, heavy competition, and not to mention, the rich and the famous. While this year’s race wrapped up on May 24th, the hype is certainly not over. VIP has covered all of the exclusive highlights that you won’t get anywhere else.
Standings
Nico Rosberg
Coming in first place was German driver, Nico Rosberg, making this his third successive Monaco victory. Taking home first place, however, was a shock to all. Rosberg beat out teammate Lewis Hamilton, who had an almost-guaranteed victory leading up to the last day. Although a win is a win, Rosberg admitted to mixed emotions due to the poor strategy call made by Team Mercedes that cost Hamilton the win, “I have learned in sport to take it as it comes. Sometimes sport is hard on you and is horrible and today I was probably the luckiest I’ve ever been in my career, but I’ll take it. Winning Monaco is winning Monaco.” Rosberg has been driving for Team Mercedes since the end of 2009.
Lewis Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton was on-track to bring in the biggest Monaco winning margin in 16 years. But, as a result of a poor decision made by Team Mercedes, Hamilton came in third place. With only 15 laps to go on the last day, Hamilton was significantly ahead of his opponents. It made sense at that time to pit and switch out his tires. Hamilton also assumed that those behind him, including teammate Nico Rosberg, had pitted as well. It wasn’t imperative that he switch out his tires at the time but the team’s strategy showed that he could afford to make a stop and still come out in first place. Coming out of his stop, Rosberg and Sebastian Vettel (second place winner) had caught up and emerged ahead. By that time it was too late for Hamilton to catch up. He ashamedly brought home third place.
Sebastian Vettel
Sebastian Vettel, Team Ferrari, was runner-up at this year’s Monaco Grand Prix. Ferrari called Vettel into the pit on Lap 36, and at that moment, his chance to win first-place had slipped away. Vettel was still able to climb ahead of Hamilton, allowing him to cross the finish line second. Vettel tweeted, “It’s nice to always be on the podium, but both Ferrari and I now want more.”
Star Studded Crowd
We all know with the Monaco Grand Prix comes no shortage of the rich and the famous. The star studded Circuit de Manaco included runways models Cara Delevinge, Hailey Baldwin, Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid. The crowd also included Hollywood A-Listers Leonarda diCaprio, Cameron Diaz and George Lucas.
Were you unable to experience this year’s races? Don’t worry, there’s always next year. VIP has already planned packages for those interested in attending the 2016 Monaco Grand Prix. The Monaco Grand Prix is by far the most glamorous of all the Formula One races, making it the perfect way to experience all of glitz and prestige of a VIP lifestyle.
